West Indies vs India 1st Test: Team India’s Predicted Playing XI

India's tour of the West Indies kicks off with a two-match Test series, starting in Dominica.

West Indies vs India 1st Test: Team India’s Predicted Playing XI

Source: News18

After a devastating loss to Australia in the WTC Final and a month-long break to recover, Team India returns to action tomorrow. India’s tour of the West Indies kicks off with a two-match Test series, starting in Dominica.

All big players are set to don the whites for India as their WTC 2023-25 cycle also begins tomorrow. The announcement of India’s Test squad left many in shock after Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the side for the tour but gave hope to many as the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mukesh Kumar were given maiden call-ups.

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Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are surely set to be in action starting tomorrow while speculation revolves around whether Ishan Kishan and Mukesh Kumar will make their Test debuts.

Also read: Virat Kohli recalls his favourite memory while playing in West Indies, talks about special meeting with Sir Viv Richards

Team India’s predicted XI

Team India
Yashasvi Jaiswal (L)), Ishan Kishan (M) and Rohit Sharma (R) (Source: ProBatsman)
Openers and No.3 : Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill

While skipper Rohit Sharma’s place at the top is confirmed it is likely that Yashasvi Jaiswal will be given a go and he could make his Test debut for India at the top with the skipper. Shubman Gill may have to make for Jiaswal at the top and find himself batting at number 3, taking over Cheteshwar Pujara’s coveted position.

No.4 and No.5: Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane

Virat Kohli at four is India’s inevitable choice and Rahane who has been given another go is highly likely to continue at number five. While Kohli’s form has been a constant concern, the recent form of Rahane will give hope to India that their number four and five are at well-suited positions.

Wicket-keeper: Ishan Kishan

After KS Bharat’s ineffective performances post many chances, he can be seen making way for young Ishan Kishan. The left-hander fits well as an attacking wicket-keeper batsman similar to Rishab Pant and could go on to make his Test debut for India.

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is likely to retain his position as the all-rounder of the side ahead of Axar Patel. Coming off an IPL win high and a decent outing in the WTC final, he is expected to go in with the same form and energy.

Spinner: Ravichandran Ashwin

After Ashwin’s controversial exclusion from the WTC squad, it is inevitable that he will be a part of the playing XI for the two-match series. The number 1 spinner is a high-quality experienced player that India would not like to miss out on, regardless of conditions.

Pacers: Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Siraj and Mukesh Kumar.

While Siraj will lead India’s pace attack, Unadkat is in the race with Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar to find a spot in the XI. Team India could also give Mukesh Kumar, the pacer form Bengal, a go in the first Test.

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