A young Delhi Capitals finished third last season, while a weakened Sunrisers Hyderabad batting line-up could not push them above fourth place.
India felt the full force of a determined debutant on the first day, and have their work cut out to improve their position.
Ben Stokes became the ICC Player of the Year. The BCCI confirmed Rishabh Pant's removal from Rajkot ODI. Ireland won the first T20I against West Indies.
Kohli and Ishant star in Kolkata, Labuschagne scores maiden Test ton, and the Ponting effect on Warner.
South Africa level series 1-1, Guyana win six in a row, and former India Test cricketer Madhav Apte passes away.
The opportunity for an unassailable 1-0 lead presents itself to the two teams ahead of the second T20I in South Africa.
Two teams in transition will take each other on, as preparations for the T20 World Cup next year officially begins.
Stumps, Day 1: India 264/5 (Kohli 76, Agarwal 55; Holder 3/39) vs West Indies.
India hold all the cards, and West Indies will need their batsmen to step up if they are to trouble the top-ranked side.
India had Ajinkya Rahane to thank for after being reduced to 25/3, but the focus now will be on Pant to take India to a formidable total.