India vs West Indies: Team India’s Probable Squad For Test Series
Jul 20, 2019 at 7:52 PM
After a long break of seven months, the members of Indian Test team will don white jersey next month when they will take on West Indies in a two-match Test series. India last played a Test against Australia early this year, where Virat Kohli and co created history by becoming first Asian team to defeat Australia in a Test series at their home.
The Test series between India and West Indies will also mark the start to the ICC Test championship. However, Jasprit Bumrah could be rested for the full tour after a hectic schedule.
The national selectors are set to name the squad for West Indies tour next week. Prior to that, let us have a look at likely Test squad for the tour –
Mayank Agarwal – The right-handed batsman made his debut in the Boxing Day Test against Australia last year and straightaway showed his class by scoring 76. In all likeliness, he will be opening the innings with KL Rahul.
KL Rahul – He also looks set to open the innings on the West Indies tour. He hasn’t been in best of form in past one year but he will surely be given a longer run.
Virat Kohli – Despite being on the road for a long time now, Kohli will be travelling to West Indies for the series. Earlier, reports had suggested that Kohli might be rested for the series but he is all set to take part in all the matches across formats.
Cheteshwar Pujara – The number three batsman will play international cricket after seven months when he will play against West Indies. Pujara had a good run in Australia where he scored 521 runs at 74.43.
Ajinkya Rahane – The vice-captain of India’s Test team will be leading the side for the third time on the tour of West Indies. Rahane has not been in best form in past few months and will be looking to make a solid return on West Indies tour.
Rohit Sharma – His success in the limited-overs format saw Rohit make a comeback in the Test side for Australia tour and is set to be part of West Indies tour as well. Before the Test series, he will lead India in the ODI and T20I series.
Hanuma Vihari – The right-handed batsman did well in Australia and is set to retain his place in the Test squad. He also has the capability to take wickets with his off-spin.
Hardik Pandya – It is unlikely that Pandya will be rested for Test series and the all-rounder will have a crucial role on the tour. Pandya hasn’t played a Test match since England tour last year.
R Ashwin – The Test specialist player will be back n the national team for the tour of West Indies. Ashwin is currently playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire.
Ravindra Jadeja – The left-arm all-rounder is highly likely to be part of playing XI right from the start of West Indies tour. Jadeja hasn’t regularly featured in playing XI in the longest format of the game in past two years.
Rishabh Pant – He had a great run on Australia tour and looks set to be the first preference on the tour of West Indies. Rishabh, in fact, looks set for a grand push in the limited-overs format in coming months.
Wriddhman Saha – A fully-fit Saha is now set to make his return on the tour of West Indies. He has been included in India A squad for unofficial Test matches and will make his international return on West Indies tour. Though Rishabh is expected to get the first preference.
Kuldeep Yadav – The chinaman had a great of Australia and will give a strong competition to Ashwin for a place in playing XI. Although Kuldeep’s form in limited-overs format has dwindled.
Navdeep Saini – In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Saini looks set to be part of West Indies tour. He was also in England with the World Cup squad. He is yet to make his international debut but was a part of the Test team against Afghanistan last year.
Ishant Sharma – The experienced pacer had a fruitful IPL and will look forward to doing well in West Indies as well. Like other Test specialists, Ishant hasn’t also played international cricket for six months now.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – He hasn’t played a Test match for over one and a half year now and Bhuveshwar is expected to make his comeback to the playing XI. He was a part of the squad for Australia Tests but wasn’t included in playing XI.
Mohammed Shami – The right-arm pacer will complete the pace attack consisting of other experienced players. He had a good run in World Cup but was dropped from playing XI after few chances.