Just four days after lifting the Asia Cup trophy in Dubai, India’s top cricketers are back in whites as they take on the West Indies in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, starting Thursday.
The contest holds more than just bilateral importance, with crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points on offer. After Ahmedabad, the series shifts to New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium for the second Test.
Gill Ready for Leadership Test
Skipper Shubman Gill, fresh off leading India in the Asia Cup, stressed that the quick turnaround between formats was more mental than technical.
We had a couple of days of practice before the Test match. Switching formats is more mental than technique. We are looking to play hard, grinding cricket and dominate in any situation.
The 25-year-old will shoulder responsibility in the middle order alongside Dhruv Jurel, who keeps wicket in Rishabh Pant’s absence.
Bumrah Workload Under Scanner
All eyes will also be on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management. The pace spearhead missed a Test in England earlier this year and comes into this series after a heavy shift in the Asia Cup.
We’ll take a call on a match-to-match basis depending on how long the Test goes and how our fast bowlers feel.
India Seek Consistency After Mixed Year
India salvaged pride with a 2-2 draw in the absorbing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England, a result that lifted them to third in the WTC standings. But earlier home defeats to New Zealand and Australia exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in the middle order. This short West Indies series is a chance to consolidate form and push higher in the WTC race.
West Indies Weakened but Dangerous
The West Indies arrive in India bruised by a 0-3 home drubbing against Australia. Their problems are compounded by the absence of injured pacers Alzarri and Shamar Joseph. Young quicks Jayden Seales and Jediah Blades will be tested, while Anderson Phillip returns to bolster the pace attack.
Spin will be crucial for the visitors with skipper Roston Chase, Jomel Warrican, and debut-hopeful Khary Pierre expected to shoulder the burden. Much will also rest on the shoulders of Shai Hope and Brandon King in a batting order light on experience.
India Favourites, but History Lingers
India have dominated West Indies in recent years, yet historically the visitors hold the upper hand with 30 wins to India’s 23 in Tests. However, in subcontinental conditions, India remain overwhelming favourites.
Weather and Pitch Watch
The Ahmedabad strip carried a touch of green on the eve of the match, which could tempt India into fielding more than two pacers — a rare strategy at home. The Met Department has warned of possible showers on Day One, which may further aid seamers.
Probable XIs India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
West Indies: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.
