West Indies vs India Prediction: West Indies have failed to get a place in the World cup

West Indies will be facing off against India in the first test of the Indian tour of West Indies at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica. West Indies have failed to get a place in the World cup which will be held later this year. They will be looking for some retribution in the longest format of the game. Who will win this game?

For the first Test, West Indies has announced a squad consisting of 13 players. The team includes a mix of experienced and well-known individuals such as Kraigg Brathwaite, Jason Holder, and Kemar Roach, as well as emerging talents like Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Jomel Warrican, and Alick Athanaze who are still establishing themselves in international cricket.

Undoubtedly, the strength of the West Indian team lies in its bowling lineup. Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, and possibly Rakheem Cornwall are likely to feature in the playing XI for this match. The usage of the Duke's cricket ball, known for its swing and seam, will enhance Roach's effectiveness, making him a significant threat to the opposition. Roach is undoubtedly the player to keep a close eye on. Jomel Warrican has been included in the squad, but his chances of playing in this match seem unlikely unless the pitch significantly favours spin bowling.

The batting department heavily relies on the performances of Kraigg Brathwaite. He is the only player in the West Indian camp who consistently scores runs against top Test teams worldwide. To compete strongly, Jermaine Blackwood, da Silva, and Tagenarine Chanderpaul need to elevate their performances. While there is optimism surrounding Alick Athanaze, his actual Test cricket debut will be the ultimate judge of his abilities.

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jermaine Blackwood, Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

Australia delivered a comprehensive defeat to India in the WTC Final, leaving the Indian batters in a state of embarrassment and the bowling unit appearing fatigued. Consequently, India's Test squad comprises several young talents.

Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have secured spots in the squad, contributing to its youthful composition. The fast-bowling department also features relatively inexperienced players, including Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Jaydev Unadkat. The responsibility of leading the bowling attack will rest on the shoulders of Mohammad Siraj. In contrast, India possesses a world-class spin department with the presence of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who are renowned for their expertise in exploiting favourable pitches, as seen in recent matches in the West Indies.

The selection of India's playing XI for this match will be intriguing. It is anticipated that Jaiswal will make his debut at number three, while Ishan Kishan might replace Srikar Bharat at number six. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane provide a wealth of experience to the lineup, but all three individuals are in need of significant contributions with the bat.

Although Rahane displayed a commendable performance in the WTC, it marked his return to the Test arena. India is evidently transitioning from its established Test lineup, placing senior players under pressure to deliver.

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar

The weather forecast for the match week indicates minimal rain, although it is important to note that weather conditions in the Caribbean islands can swiftly change. Regarding the pitch, we anticipate a relatively flat surface with limited bounce and pace. The Duke ball is likely to swing and seam during the initial stages, favouring the bowlers, but as it gets older, the batsmen are expected to dominate proceedings. Teams batting first will target a minimum score range of 350-400 to set a competitive total. India with some new faces is looking good going into the series' first game.