In India, although Seri is seen as a defeat and the scars of losing their last series of houses to New Zealand are still lonely. With the eyes of the World Test Championship in the line and South Africa’s visit in November, India could not afford a slip.
Gill has signaled to move away from the rank of turners – the kind of back against New Zealand – towards a more precise surface that tests both battles and players.
The grassy red field at Narendra Modi Stadium can bring both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj into the play with rich spin weapons in India Jadeja, Axar, Kuldeep, and Washington Sundar.
For West Hindia, injuries to both of them Shamar and Alzarri Joseph left them thin on firearms, with captain Roston Chase and Jomel Warrican carrying a rotation load.
Meanwhile, India scored the election call at No. 3 Between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, while the Dhruv Jurel promotion can enable a rare four player strategy.
“We want to play hard, grind cricket … we won’t find an easy option,” Gill told Eve Match. When he was preparing to lead India for the first time in the crowd, his bet was clear: a big win, a smart win, and climbed the WTC table.
Stay with Timesofindia.com for all updates, analysis and direct action from test 1.
Squad:
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kl Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), N Jagadeesan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (W), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bummer, Kuldeep Yadav, Devdutt Padikkal, nitish Kumar reddy
West Indies Squad: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Roston Chase (C), Shai Hope (W), Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, Jediah Blades, Kevlon Anderson, Tevin Immlach
