Just three days after the gripping Asia Cup finale, Team India returns to Test cricket. The brief gap poses a significant challenge for the playing eleven. After the drama and hectic schedule in Dubai, Coach Gautam Gambhir shifts focus to the two-match Test series against the West Indies. This transition from the white-ball tour in Australia to red-ball cricket is no small feat for India. Shubman Gill takes the leadership reins for the first Test in Ahmedabad, while the team cautiously considers Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion.
Bumrah, having played in the Asia Cup final, might find himself back on the field merely 96 hours later, a decision up in the air for the first Test. However, during team selection, Gambhir had expressed his confidence in Bumrah playing both Tests.
India might opt for Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, or Nitish Kumar Reddy against West Indies’ not-so-formidable Test squad. Choosing the batting lineup’s order, especially for stars like Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, between number 3 or 5 will also test selectors.
What challenges lie ahead for Gambhir?
The fans' eyes are on the batting order for Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. There's curiosity whether Axar Patel will make it to the lineup. Equally intriguing is whether Jasprit Bumrah will participate in this Test.
Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal
Karun Nair, after average performances in England, has been sidelined. The selectors now turn to young talents. With Rishabh Pant absent, the number 5 spot remains an issue, and Sudharsan gets a chance at number 3.
The challenge for Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ahmedabad’s pitch dictates Reddy’s inclusion. Currently, the wicket seems batsman-friendly, which could grant Reddy the opportunity while Bumrah rests. Yet, if the wicket favors spinners, Axar Patel might step in as the fourth spinner.
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Jasprit Bumrah's Fitness
Just three days post-final, Bumrah's fitness is critical. The management will make a last-minute decision. With an eye on the Australia tour, Bumrah could be part of a rotation strategy. If he isn’t fielded, Prasidh Krishna might seize the spot.
India's Probable Playing XI for First Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammad Siraj.
15-member Squad for the 2-Test Series against West Indies:
Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
