The home Test season is back, and India will host the West Indies for three matches. The first Test will be at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This series is the start of a new chapter for Indian Test cricket, which had a big change when Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma all retired. This will be India's first home Test since 2010 without any of these three legends in the starting XI. Notably, this will be India’s first home Test since 2010 without any of these three legends in the playing XI
Despite these changes, India under the leadership of Shubman Gill impressed in English conditions, managing to level the series 2-2 and share the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with the hosts.
Back at home, India will be keen to bounce back after a rare 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand, which ended their long-standing unbeaten streak on home soil.
With the spotlight on a young Indian side and West Indies coming in as underdogs, the stage is set for what could be a one-sided contest, though the visitors will hope to punch above their weight at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Predicted India Playing XI vs West Indies – 1st Test
India have found their formidable opening duo in the experienced KL Rahul and the young, fearless Yashasvi Jaiswal. In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Rahul stood tall with 532 runs in 10 innings across five Tests, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer. Jaiswal wasn’t far behind, piling up 411 runs in the same number of innings, a solid return that cements his place at the top.
Middle Order: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel
Sai Sudharsan will be given a chance despite his shortcomings in the England series, where he struggled to make a mark. The team management, however, will back his potential to make an impact in familiar home conditions..
Shubman Gill, who was amazing with the bat in England and finished as the series' top scorer, will try to keep that form going as India's No. 4, leading from the front in their quest for a dominant series win.
Dhruv Jurel will probably take the gloves and provide stability in the middle order because Rishabh Pant is still out. Jurel is a calm batsman and a sharp wicketkeeper.
Lower Middle Order: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Followed by All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be expected to contribute across all departments, bringing balance to the side with both bat and ball. Teaming up with Washington Sundar, Jadeja will look to exploit the turning tracks and form a strong spin duo in the middle overs..
As for Nitish Kumar Reddy, he could slot into the XI owing to the grassy surface in Ahmedabad, with India possibly going in with him as the third pace option to strengthen the seam attack against the West Indies.
Bowlers: Kudeep/ Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
India might opt for a third spinner in the form of either Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav, depending on the final pitch call. While Axar has an impressive record in Ahmedabad, offering control and consistency on turning tracks, Kuldeep’s recent form with the ball makes a strong case for his inclusion, adding variety with his wrist spin, making it a tight call for the team management.
Regardless of the spin combination, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, with Mohammed Siraj, fresh off a stellar England series where he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps in nine innings, forming a potent seam duo for India.
Probable India Playing XI vs West Indies
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel / Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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