The first Test match between home team India and West Indies is all set to begin tomorrow, October 2, at 9:30 AM IST, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India enter the first Test as firm favourites, boosted by a solid home record and a well-rounded lineup. Shubman Gill leads the team, which mixes youthful enthusiasm with experience across departments. With Rishabh Pant out due to injury, Dhruv Jurel takes over as wicketkeeper, allowing for some experimentation. India’s batting lineup appears to be good, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan, while the spin-heavy all-rounder combination of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar provides depth. Pace leaders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will want to take advantage of any early movement. Playing at home, India are likely to rely on spin-friendly conditions to establish early domination in the series and earn valuable World Test Championship points.
The West Indies come in India with a somewhat inexperienced lineup and without crucial bowler Shamar Joseph, whose absence has damaged their bowling attack. Roston Chase is expected to lead the team, which includes numerous young players looking to make an impact. The batting team has frequently struggled in subcontinent conditions, particularly against quality spin, a task that will be amplified against India’s world-class spinners. The Caribbean squad will rely on its experienced hitters to keep the innings together while hoping for breakthroughs from youthful quicks and part-time spinners. With few resources and a difficult climate, West Indies will want to play competitive cricket, frustrate India’s bowlers, and press for moments of advantage, though a victory will need a significant collective effort and some luck.
Head-to-Head:
India and West Indies have played each other 100 times in Test cricket, with West Indies having a tiny historical advantage. The Caribbean squad has won 30 matches, while India have won 23. A substantial 47 Tests have been drawn.
This high proportion of drawn games reflects the age of long-format contests on flatter wickets, particularly in the subcontinent. Although West Indies dominated the early decades, notably from the 1950s to the 1980s, India have definitely had an advantage in recent years, particularly at home, where they have fielded formidable spin-heavy attacks.
Where to Watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: JioHotstar
