IND vs WI Match Preview: A new era in Indian Test cricket is set to dawn as a young and revamped squad, led by the newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, takes on a rebuilding West Indies side in the first of a two-match Test series, commencing on October 2nd at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The series, part of the West Indies tour of India, 2025, presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to test their mettle and build for the future.
India, entering a transition phase, has handed the reins to the prodigious Shubman Gill and has included several promising youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. The absence of stalwarts will be felt, but it provides a platform for the next generation to stake their claim. For the West Indies, under the captaincy of Roston Chase, this tour is another step in their long and arduous journey to reclaim their past glory in the longest format of the game. They will be looking to put up a resilient fight against a formidable Indian team in their own backyard.
IND vs WI Match Details
IND vs WI Head to Head (Test)
Historically, the rivalry between India and the West Indies has been a storied one, though India has overwhelmingly dominated the contest in recent decades.
While the overall record shows the West Indies with a slight edge, it’s a reflection of their dominance in a bygone era. India has not lost a Test series to the West Indies since 2002 and will be confident of extending that streak.
IND vs WI Pitch Report: Narendra Modi Stadium
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium has gained a reputation for being spin-friendly in recent years. While there might be some assistance for the pacers with the new ball, especially in the morning session, the track is expected to progressively favor the spinners as the match wears on. The red soil pitch is likely to offer turn and bounce from day two onwards, making the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav a massive threat. Batting will be best on the first two days, and the toss could be crucial, with the captain winning it likely to opt to bat first and post a big total.
IND vs WI Weather Report
The weather forecast for Ahmedabad during the Test match is expected to be hot and humid. There is a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons, which could lead to some interruptions in play. The temperatures are expected to hover around the mid-30s (in Celsius). The high humidity will test the fitness levels of the players from both sides.
IND vs WI Squads
India (IND): Lokesh Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(C), Dhruv Jurel(WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Narayan Jagadeesan(WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav
West Indies (WI): Brandon King, Kevlon Anderson, Roston Chase(C), John Campbell, Shai Hope(WK), Justin Greaves, Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Jomel Warrican, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, Khary Pierre, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach(WK), Jediah Blades
IND vs WI Probable Playing11
India (IND): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Lokesh Rahul, Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
West Indies (WI): Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, John Campbell, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre.
IND vs WI Match Prediction
India enters this contest as the overwhelming favorite. Their formidable record at home, combined with a potent bowling attack perfectly suited for the conditions, gives them a significant edge. The pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj can be lethal with the new ball, and the spin trio will be a handful for the West Indian batters as the match progresses. While the Indian batting lineup is relatively inexperienced, the likes of Gill, Jaiswal, and Rahul are highly talented and capable of posting big scores.
The West Indies, on the other hand, face a monumental task. Their batting has been inconsistent, and they will need their senior players like Roston Chase and Shai Hope to lead from the front. The young pacer Jayden Seales will be a key figure with the ball, but the Caribbean spinners will have to bowl out of their skins to match their Indian counterparts.
While the West Indies will be aiming for a spirited performance, overcoming this Indian side in their fortress will be a bridge too far. Expect India to dominate the proceedings and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Prediction: India to win.
