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Predicting Team India’s Playing XI ahead of first test against West Indies
As many as three youngsters are in contention to make their first team debuts in test cricket for Team India
Both new and seasoned players were included in the Indian Cricket Board’s most recent selection of the Test team for the upcoming Windies tour. During the competition, some new players can get the chance to join the starting lineup for the squad. If given the opportunity, they will try their hardest to deliver their finest work and contribute significantly to the team.
Due to the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Umesh Yadav, two of India’s main players, who participated in the most recent WTC final, the side faces some difficult challenges. Furthermore, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah continue to recuperate from their medical conditions, giving the young guns a chance to solidify their position in the squad.
Predicting the Indian XI for the first Test against West Indies
1) Openers (Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill)
Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)
Rohit Sharma, who has received harsh criticism, wants to recover his game and confidence by playing well in the forthcoming series. In the Caribbean, Rohit Sharma will want to play aggressively and lead the squad to a decisive victory over the hosts, who are considered underdogs at their own home.
In recent Test contests for the Indian team, Gill has demonstrated tremendous potential. The way he performed in the 2023 WTC final at the Oval, however, drew criticism. The young player is determined to start India’s WTC 2023–25 campaign off successfully despite the setback.
2) Middle-order (Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Source: Twitter)
Yashasvi Jaiswal has gained the trust of the team management due to his exceptional consistency and overall performance, which has allowed him to play for the national squad in Test cricket versus the Caribbean side. Jaiswal’s outstanding performance in the IPL 2023 added to his resume and elevated him to an intriguing prospect for the forthcoming games.
Virat Kohli will want to overpower the Windies’ bowling arsenal and produce outstanding performances for the national team in the upcoming match in the Caribbean islands. After a three-year hiatus, Kohli achieved a Test century this year, demonstrating his resiliency and capacity to overcome setbacks.
During the WTC final in 2023, Ajinkya Rahane rejoined India’s Test team after an absence of one and a half years. He was chosen for the West Indies trip and reclaimed the deputy captaincy after he scored the most runs versus Australia in the WTC final. Rahane hopes to show the board as well as team management that they made the correct decision despite criticism of his appointment.
3) Wicket-keeper and all-rounders (Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin)
Ishan Kishan (Source: Twitter)
Both Kishan and Bharat have been chosen for the current series, but it’s expected that Kishan will get the nod, given Bharat’s lacklustre batting display in the WTC final. This is a fantastic opportunity for Kishan to make an impact since Rishabh Pant is currently healing. Kishan, who is renowned because of his aggressive approach, might give India a tremendous advantage when it comes to scoring quickly.
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022–2023, Ravichandran Ashwin displayed his talent by taking 25 wickets in four Test matches, making him the series’ leading wicket-taker. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, the 36-year-old spinner is eager to improve India’s spin assault during the West Indies tour.
The reliable all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be counted on by the Indian squad to provide excellent results versus the West Indies and significantly contribute to winning the series. Jadeja made a stunning recovery during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022–2023, taking 22 wickets in four Test matches to tie Nathan Lyon for the second-highest total in the series.
4) Bowlers (Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar)
Mukesh Kumar (Source: Twitter)
Shardul Thakur has a history of putting on incredible all-around performances, as evidenced by his key role in India’s series triumph in the 2020–21 Border–Gavaskar Trophy, especially during the fourth Test held at the Gabba in Australia. The Indian squad would be counting on Thakur to repeat an identical performance in the forthcoming series given his prior successes.
In Shami’s absence as his senior colleague rests for the series, Siraj is going to be given more responsibilities. Siraj’s recent efforts have been admirable, but he can yet improve in several areas to better serve the interests of the squad.
Bengali fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, who is skilled, has been called up to join the Indian Test squad for the West Indies tour. He is a great asset because of his outstanding accomplishments in domestic cricket, particularly with the red ball. Mukesh has established himself as a potential future with a stellar total of 149 wickets in only 39 first-class games and the capacity to handle pressure.
