Both teams will start on a level-playing field: Pollard

While India suffered a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of South Africa, West Indies would walk into the series on the back of a 3-2 win against England at home. Windies skipper Kieron Pollard suggested that India will have their 'task cut out' when the two teams start locking horns, on Saturday. 

Pollard also insisted that "all other things on the outside", in lieu with the change of captains for India would play its part. 

"As you mentioned they (India) didn't do too well in South Africa, and with all the other things on the outside, they will have their work cut out," Pollard said on the eve of the first ODI here.

"But as I stated earlier for us, it is about focusing on what we can do, they will have their challenges, we will have our challenges," he added.

"The good thing is that when we start the game tomorrow, there is no advantage or disadvantage. We start on a level-playing field and whoever plays better cricket on the day will come out on the top," added the 34-year-old all-rounder.

Pollard heaped praises on Rohit Sharma, opining that he will have his own plans for leading the Men in Blue, starting with the ODI series against West Indies. 

"Obviously, Rohit, you know, a good person, he knows how to lead, but having said that he will be coming (up) with his own plans and the way that he wants to play, wants the team (to) sort of play, so that will be a learning for them (India) as well...

"... Because yes, you have captained a couple of games but when you are a full-time captain, I think that is something sort-of different."

Windies' past memory in India was a 1-2 loss, in 2019 but a different team this time around, Pollard hopes for an improved performance. 

"We will see what is the best combination and try to come up with the best resources we have. Touring India is always going to be difficult, there is media pressure and (so on). We need to focus on what we want to do and share the information among ourselves.

"The last time we were here, we did okay. We didn't win the series but we pushed them. It's time to get one step further," signed off the big-hitting batter.

(With inputs from PTI)