The much-awaited two-match Test series between India and the West Indies begins tomorrow. The first Test will be played in Ahmedabad, with play starting at 9:30 AM IST.
India’s Return to Home Test Cricket
After a successful stint in England, India is now preparing for a home Test series. The last time India played a home Test series was against New Zealand, where the team won convincingly under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Since then, a lot has changed — including key retirements such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin.
This will be the first home Test series under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, who recently led India in away conditions. Leading the side in familiar home conditions will certainly bring him confidence and relief.
India’s Playing XI: Questions Ahead
Shubman Gill, addressing the media, mentioned that nothing has been pre-decided regarding India’s playing XI. Much will depend on the pitch conditions and grass cover on the morning of the match.
The biggest question remains:
- Will India field a third seamer, or opt for an extra spinner?
If Nitish Kumar Reddy plays as the third seamer, then the choice between Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav as the additional spinner becomes crucial. Reports confirm that all players are fit and available, so team selection will purely be based on balance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Selection Puzzle
Earlier indications suggested Nitish might be released to play for India A or Rest of India. However, the team management has retained him in the Test squad, signaling that he is being considered for the playing XI.
If he is picked, then:
- Spin attack: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and either Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav.
- Seam attack: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as main seamers, with Nitish as the third option.
This combination means players like N. Jagadeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Prasidh Krishna may have to sit out.
India’s Probable XI
Based on conditions, India’s likely playing XI could be:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- K. L. Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
The Axar vs Kuldeep decision depends on the pitch:
- On a turning track → Axar Patel.
- On a neutral or less turning surface → Kuldeep Yadav, whose wrist spin is harder to pick.
Kuldeep also has shown resilience with the bat, so either option gives India depth.
West Indies: Struggles and Selection Issues
The West Indies, meanwhile, face multiple challenges. Their Test cricket has been under scrutiny, especially after being bowled out for just 27 runs in a Test recently. They also lost to Nepal in T20Is, and have been struggling against top teams like Australia.
Key updates for West Indies:
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze will be key at the top.
- Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are unavailable due to injuries.
- Replacement Jathiel Blades has not yet joined the squad, adding to their problems.
West Indies Probable XI
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Kavem Hodge / Keacy Carty
- Alick Athanaze
- Brandon King
- Shai Hope
- Roston Chase
- Justin Greaves
- Karim Janmal Warrican
- Anderson Phillip / Jomel Warrican
- Johan Layne
- Jayden Seales
The absence of senior pacers makes their bowling lineup less threatening, but the team will look to fight hard.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The match will be played on a red-soil pitch in Ahmedabad, which currently has a fair amount of grass cover. If the grass is trimmed on match day, the pitch could still retain some moisture, assisting seamers early on.
However, the weather forecast predicts intermittent rain in Ahmedabad, especially on the first day. Captains will have to factor in these conditions before the toss.
Final Thoughts
India, playing at home, clearly enters as the favorite with a balanced squad and depth in both batting and bowling. West Indies, however, will be aiming to prove themselves and put up a strong fight despite their recent struggles.
The series opener in Ahmedabad promises to be an intriguing contest between a confident Indian side and a West Indies team searching for consistency.
