The Asia Cup is yet to return home, but India have already shifted their focus to the start of a home Test season, as the West Indies arrive for a two-match series beginning on 2 October in Ahmedabad.
For the first time in more than a decade, India will take the field in home conditions without their stalwarts – Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin and Rohit Sharma – each of whom played an integral role in India’s dominance at home until a visiting New Zealand side breached the fortress last year.
Travelling to India for Tests is (was) one of the toughest assignments in sport. During the Kohli era, India were impenetrable at home. Since losing a series to England in 2012/13, they went unbeaten in 18 consecutive series, dropping just four matches in that period.
Many had begun to take India’s supremacy for granted. Yes, they often prepared spin-friendly tracks, outbowling opposition batters who lacked the tools to cope with the conditions. But the enormity of the achievement was truly recognised only when the unbeaten run ended last year, as New Zealand blanked India 3-0. For the first time in 41 years, India lost three or more Tests in a home season.
It was a grinding halt in every sense.
Since then, India have failed to win a series. They were beaten 1-3 in Australia before managing a 2-2 draw in England. While they fought hard in the Old Blighty after a change of guard, it was a series there for the taking.
Now, India will be eager to return to winning ways – and they have an excellent opportunity to slip back into old habits. The visiting West Indies side have arrived on the back of a crushing 0-3 defeat to Australia at home as recently as June-July. In the final Test in Jamaica, they were rolled over for just 27 runs – the lowest total in a Test innings in 70 years.
On paper, it is David versus Goliath. But the , In the past, touring teams – barring Australia – have come to India with little hope. Yet New Zealand’s exploits last year may just have given the Caribbean side a glimmer of belief.
Team India in practice (Source: @BCCI)”New Zealand came last year and dominated India, so we are really trying to learn from what they did and try to put some of those stuff in place so that we can play some good cricket and compete and try to win the series,” captain Chase said on the eve of the Test.
India, under Shubman Gill, will aim to be clinical. This is a young side carrying little baggage. Yes, Kohli and Rohit leave sizable shoes to fill, but both had shown discomfort against spin in the latter stages of their Test careers. The bigger concern will be how India cope without Ashwin, arguably their most influential match-winner during their unbeaten home run. Nevertheless, the spin department remains strong, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge, supported by Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.
The pace attack looks equally formidable,
Much will depend on how the batting group responds, especially given how India faltered against both spin-friendly and pace-friendly conditions versus New Zealand last year. Confidence, however, should be high after their productive series in England.
IND vs WI Head-to-Head and Recent Form
India and the West Indies have contested 100 Tests, with India winning 23 and losing 30. At home, India have won 13 and lost 14. However, the West Indies have not tasted victory in India since 1994.
Recent form tells its own story: India have won only six of their last 12 home Tests, while the West Indies have lost their last eight Test series, their most recent win coming against Zimbabwe in February 2022.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Shubman Gill has confirmed that the Narendra Modi Stadium will provide a red-soil surface – with wear likely as the match progresses. A decent grass covering has been left on the pitch, fuelling anticipation of help for fast bowlers.
Gill hinted that India may move away from rank turners, which have occasionally backfired in the past. A good sporting wicket is expected, though one that will still aid spin. Overhead conditions could also play a role, with forecasts of overcast skies and intermittent showers on the opening day.
Team News: IND vs WI, 1st Test
For India, nine of the eleven spots in the XI are virtually confirmed. With Rishabh Pant unavailable, Dhruv Jurel will keep wicket, while Sai Sudharsan is likely to retain the No. 3 slot after his debut in England.
Gill has suggested that India might opt for three seamers given the overcast conditions. That could mean a choice between all-rounder Nitish Reddy and specialist pacer Prasidh Krishna alongside Bumrah and Siraj. India may also consider sacrificing Kuldeep Yadav once again for an extra batter.
The West Indies, meanwhile, suffered major blows with Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph – their pace spearheads – ruled out through injury. Anderson Phillip is likely to partner Jayden Seales with the new ball. Jomel Warrican, the experienced left-arm spinner, will lead the spin attack, having claimed nine wickets in a match-winning display in Pakistan earlier this year.
A sentimental highlight will be the return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of the legendary Shivnarine.
India predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, K. L. Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
West Indies predicted XI: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.
Five Things to Watch Out For
Shubman Gill’s captaincy: After silencing critics with a record-breaking series in England, Gill improved steadily as a leader. All eyes will be on his tactical nous at home, particularly in how he deploys his potent spin attack. Can he restore India’s aura of dominance?
Will Kuldeep get his due? In almost any other international side, High on confidence after a successful Asia Cup, he will be desperate for opportunities. Yet India’s need for batting depth may keep him waiting.
Is Washington Sundar Ashwin’s successor? Sundar has made the most of his limited chances, even outbowling Ashwin during last year’s defeat to New Zealand. With his dual skills, he looks an ideal candidate to inherit Ashwin’s mantle, but he will need consistent backing.
Can the West Indies compete? The Caribbean side have pulled off isolated upsets against Australia and Pakistan in recent years. However, the absence of Shamar and Alzarri Joseph severely dents their chances this time.
Can Dhruv Jurel seize the moment? With Pant sidelined, Jurel has a golden opportunity to prove he can be more than just a stop-gap option. If he performs strongly, he could cement his place even when the first-choice wicketkeeper returns.
IND vs WI, 1st Test Prediction
India start as overwhelming favourites. Yet, the scars of last year’s defeats mean they will take nothing for granted – which spells further trouble for the visitors.