As Team India prepares for the second Test against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, discussions have shifted from leadership changes to player workload and team balance. India is expected to retain a three-spinner, two-pacer combination, similar to what they used in their last Test at the venue against Australia in 2023.
Bumrah’s workload management
The spotlight is once again on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. Having featured in the first Test just days after the Asia Cup final, Bumrah bowled with rhythm and control. However, Delhi’s black-soil pitch, known to aid spin early, could prompt team management to consider resting him to prevent overexertion.
While Bumrah has been rested for the ODI series against Australia, he may still play in Delhi if fitness permits, given the extended recovery window that follows. Should the team opt to rest him, Prasidh Krishna is the likely replacement—potentially making his first Test appearance in India.
Siraj may get a breather
With Mohammed Siraj named in the ODI squad for the Australia series starting soon after the Test, the pacer could also be given a short break. If that happens, Prasidh’s inclusion could balance the attack without disrupting the team’s core structure, especially on a spin-friendly surface.
Predicted India XI for 2nd Test vs West Indies
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter |
| 2 | KL Rahul | Batter |
| 3 | Sai Sudharsan | Batter |
| 4 | Shubman Gill (C) | Batter |
| 5 | Dhruv Jurel (wk) | Keeper |
| 6 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 7 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder |
| 8 | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 9 | Kuldeep Yadav | Bowling All-rounder |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah / Prasidh Krishna | Pacer |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj | Pacer |
Bench: N Jagadeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, Axar Patel
Padikkal waits for his chance
Despite his strong domestic record, Devdutt Padikkal may continue to wait for his opportunity, as the top and middle order look settled. Both Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy will be under observation, but India is unlikely to make any major changes after a dominant win in the first Test.
The Delhi Test, starting October 10, is expected to favor spin once again, giving India’s tweakers—Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Sundar—another opportunity to dominate as the team eyes a series sweep.
