After featuring in the Asia Cup final on September 28 in Dubai, Jasprit Bumrah is set for a quick turnaround as India prepare for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. Despite questions over his workload management, selectors have indicated that Bumrah is fit and eager to play, with Ajit Agarkar confirming that the pacer wants to feature in both matches.
India enter the series in transition following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket earlier this year. Concerns over batting depth have eased, however, with Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant stepping up during the England tour. Yashasvi Jaiswal registered two hundreds despite inconsistent form, while Sai Sudharsan showed promise. With Pant still recovering from injury, Dhruv Jurel will continue behind the stumps after scoring a hundred and a fifty for India A against Australia A.
The biggest selection question is over Karun Nair’s replacement. Devdutt Padikkal, returning from injury, is expected to slot in at number five, while Nitish Kumar Reddy remains an option but has struggled with the bat in Tests so far.
In the bowling department, Bumrah is likely to partner Mohammed Siraj, with Prasidh Krishna on the bench. India will continue with a spin-heavy attack, with Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja all certain picks. Axar Patel misses out due to the strong spin options already in place.
Predicted India XI for 1st Test vs West Indies
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Bench: Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Narayan Jagadeesan.