In spite of the short turnaround time from the high of winning a controversy-marred Asia Cup, Shubman Gill's India will be outright favourites against a struggling and under-strength West Indies when the two teams meet on a green-top in the first Test starting here on Thursday.
Most of the Indian team members, including skipper Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, arrived here on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday from Dubai, and they have left no stone unturned to get themselves up and running for red-ball cricket. The stakes are definitely high as World Test Championship points are on offer.
A terrific five-Test series in Old Blighty, which India drew 2-2, has kept Gill's side at third spot and one above England, and the contest starting here on Thursday will be the first of the four home games in which the hosts will look to add as many points as possible.
The playing conditions appear to be a lot different this time in Ahmedabad with a green pitch in offing under cloudy conditions. While it has been hot and humid, there are chances of rain interruptions over the Test match.
Given the plight of the West Indies, who have lost each of their three Tests in this WTC 2025-27 cycle, and the difference between the two teams, it will not be an exaggeration to say that India's playing combination will generate more interest than the contest itself.
This green-top could mean that India are, for now, deviating from their preference for rank turners, something that had led to their downfall against New Zealand last season. In fact, a lot has changed since India played their last home Test in November 2024 with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin no longer in the picture. Mohammed Shami isn't around either, but none of this is causing a worry.
India have settled batting and bowling units, but it remains to be seen if the team's think-tank prefers to go with an extra batter in Devdutt Padikkal or pick a seam bowling all-rounder in Nitish Reddy. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be the primary spinners, but India might decide to bolster the spin attack with either Washington Sundar or even Axar Patel. Washington trained with the team on Tuesday.
With Karun Nair not able to cement his spot at No. 3, Sai Sudharsan will be under pressure to justify his selection in the top order. KL Rahul, who just scored a splendid 176 not out which powered India A's five-wicket win over Australia A in the second unofficial Test, will be keen to carry his form. Gill, who had a mixed run in the Asia Cup, will look to regain his incredible form in England.
For the West Indies, their backs are firmly against the wall even before the first ball has been bowled. The setback of being all out for their lowest-ever total of 27 in their previous outing against Australia looms large.
Also read: West Indies pack up Australia for 180
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