Indian Team Arrives in the West Indies

Jamaica: The Indian team has landed in Jamaica for their next assignment, a four-ODI series against West Indies

Two days after their World Twenty20 campaign ended, the Indian team has landed in Jamaica for their next assignment, a four-ODI series against West Indies.

India have been in great form in one-dayers over the past ten months, losing only three dead matches from 18 games. West Indies performed strongly in the World Twenty20 after a forgettable show against England in the Tests and one-dayers.

"I think it's going to be a competitive cricket (series) and we are looking forward to it," MS Dhoni said. " West Indies is playing good cricket at the moment. They are having a very good World Twenty20 tournament, but in the 50 overs, you have time to settle down."

India are missing four first-team players on the tour - Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina - but coach Gary Kirsten said this was a chance for the youngsters to shine. "You're always going to miss them because they are great players, but it's a great opportunity for a tour of this nature for young players to show what they're made of."

The visitors landed at the Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica without key players Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan.

But skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was confident his team had the wherewithal to challenge the inconsistent West Indies as they play the first two matches at Sabina Park on June 26 and 28. The next two matches would be played in St Lucia on July 3 and 5.

The first of four one-dayers is on June 26 in Kingston.

Tendulkar opted out of the tour as he wanted rest while both Zaheer and Sehwag were injured.