West Indies vs India 1st Test – Indian predicted XI

Dec 31, 2018 at 2:04 PM

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West Indies vs India 1st Test – Indian predicted XI

After two high-quality warm-up games, the Indians are all set to take on the West Indies in Antigua for the first test beginning on the 21st. The stakes are high for both the sides as the two units are led by young, dynamic individuals willing to make a long lasting impression in the test arena. For India’s Virat Kohli, the series against West Indies is just the start of an upcoming grueling home season, which will involve 13 test matches. Surely, a positive start away from home will do his confidence a world of good.

The hosts, on the other hand, might not have chosen the best possible squad, but in home conditions, it wouldn’t be appropriate to write them off. Last year, Jason Holder’s side did the unthinkable when they defeated England to level the series. With India low on experience but quite high on enthusiasm, things look optimistic for the visitors. To add to that, the presence of the renowned Anil Kumble around, will further aid India’s preparations to excel in the long term.

A lot is being discussed regarding India’s potential playing XI for the first test. The visitors have gone in with a 17 member squad and keeping in mind any potential injuries, it is better to play safe. The two warm up games yielded positive results for India, as all the basics of the game were well covered. Batsmen got starts while the bowlers made merry on a slow and sluggish wicket.

From the opening front, M. Vijay is certain to open as he will be eager to improve his statistics in this part of the globe. Partnering Vijay will most probably be Karnataka opener KL Rahul, who has pretty much been the talk of the town. Rahul has been in phenomenal form off late, and is expected to carry on the good work in Antigua. Shikhar Dhawan too had a decent outing in the first warm up, but Rahul has done enough to get the nod ahead of the left-hander.

The middle order will comprise of the solid Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and India’s best test batsman at the moment, Ajinkya Rahane. Pujara didn’t get too many runs in the early sessions, but he spent some quality time in the middle. His century in Sri Lanka last year, was just an example of how big an asset he can be on two paced and perilous wickets. Kohli and Rahane both have found tremendous success since the last 18 to 24 months, and a lot will depend on their performances as well.

Considering skipper Kohli’s aggression and the thinking process of Anil Kumble, India are bound to go in with a 6-5 team combination. After wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, the two bowling all-rounders would be R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja is a sure starter after he was among the wickets in the second warm-up the fixture and also scored a decent half-century. With Kumble backing the skills of leg-spinner Amit Mishra, one can expect the leg spinner to be chosen ahead of seam bowling all-rounder Stuart Binny.

There will be some competition for the final slot in the side and to compliment Ishant Sharma with the new ball. As of this moment, in all probability, it does seem that Sharma will share the new ball with Mohammad Shami, who last played a test in early January 2015 at Sydney. Shami has bowled with a lot of energy so far and his returns in the two practice games have done enough to convince the management about his form.

India’s probable XI for the first test:

  1. KL Rahul 2. M. Vijay 3. C. Pujara 4. V. Kohli (c ) 5. A. Rahane 6. W. Saha 7. R. Jadeja 8. R. Ashwin 9. A. Mishra 10. I. Sharma 11. M. Shami
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