48 hours to go and India Playing XI vs WI 1st Test is still not certain. With some of the Test mainstays missing due to different reasons, Yashasvi Jaiswal is set for his Test debut. While he will open with Rohit Sharma, there is still debate over who will keep wickets and who will be India’s third seamer in India vs West Indies Dominica Test on July 12.
With Cheteshwar Pujara dropped from the Test team, India need a dependable No 3. However, India Cricket Team is fixated on Shubman Gill at No 3 with experimentations continuing for the opener’s spot. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the latest after KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, and Mayank Agarwal all failed to deliver.
Jaiswal being a left-hander adds more value as a left-right combination is certain to help. Having impressed with the bat in practice, scoring 54 off 76 balls, Jaiswal can aid a struggling Rohit Sharma as well.
Also Read: Jaiswal nails opening slot, Dravid-Rohit mull Shubman at No 3 in 1st Test
IND vs WI 1st Test: What to expect in India Playing XI?
- The Test reboot begins with another new opener: Yashasvi Jaiswal.
- The Mumbaikar has had a rapid rise in stocks following his domestic and IPL exploits.
- Having impressed Rahul Dravid as a U19 and now in the senior team, he will make his India debut.
- But that will force a change in plans with Shubman Gill dropping to No 3 as a long-term replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara.
- Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat? – The one slot that still remains open for debate is the wicketkeeper.
- KS Bharat has been impressive with the gloves. But his struggles with the willow have let the team down since filling up Rishabh Pant’s void.
- Ishan Kishan is a dynamic batter who can score at a quick pace. But his weakness against short balls is a concern. Furthermore, his keeping skills are still not at the levels required for Tests.
- Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma will take a call on the keeper’s slot closer to the match.
Who will be India’s bowlers?
Another big debate is over the possible bowling combination. With Windsor Park offering a dry pitch India will bring Ravichandran Ashwin back in a two-spinner formula. The team management faced massive backlash following the exclusion of Ashwin in the WTC Final against Australia.
Ravindra Jadeja is also certain for the 1st Test with Axar Patel as a backup in case of a late niggle.
As for the pace bowling unit, Mohammed Siraj will be the leader of the pack in the absence of Mohammad Shami. Shardul Thakur with his batting exploits in Tests also is an automatic choice.
That leaves the third-seamer option open for discussion between Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar.
Unadkat has been impressive in the nets and is the only left-arm seam option in the current setup. Mukesh Kumar has also impressed in the domestic circuit while Saini’s pace could be of help. The team management will take a call after reaching Dominica and assess the conditions.
India Playing XI vs WI 1st Test
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Ajinkya Rahane
- KS Bharat/Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Shardul Thakur
- Jaydev Unadkat/Mukesh Kumar/ Navdeep Saini
- Mohammed Siraj
India Squad WI Tests: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.
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