Team India will begin their new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023-25) when they face off against the West Indies in a series of two Tests beginning on July 12, 2023.
The first Test will be played at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica from July 12, while the second Test match will be played at the Port Of Spain in Trinidad from July 20 onwards.
The two teams will also face off in three ODIs and five T20Is matches with the tour culminating on August 13.
With India losing back-to-back World Test Championship finals, this time to Australia at the Oval, the BCCI selectors have taken some tough steps and some decisions of their have been mind-boggling.
While the decision to drop Cheteshwar Pujara after an extended run of failures was applauded, appointing Ajinkya Rahane as the vice-captain for only one match since his return to Test cricket after 18 months being away left fans and experts bewildered.
However, the decision to include new blood like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Navdeep Saini in the team was welcomed.
Taking all these decisions and other factors into consideration, here is the COC Predicted Team India playing XI for the first Test.
The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are likely to continue, despite Ruturaj Gaikwad being included in the squad.
But with Cheteshwar Pujara out of the picture, it is expected that Yashasvi Jaiswal will be handed his India Test cap and will be slotted in his place at no.3. The middle order is likely to remain the same with Virat Kohli at no.4 and Ajinkya Rahane at no.5.
As for the wicketkeeper, it is expected that Ishan Kishan might get a look-in as gives India the option of an aggressive left-handed batter in the middle when the time comes for quick runs. KS Bharat had done decently enough to retain his place.
Expect the two spin all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin to trouble the West Indies batters who are vulnerable against quality finger spin. Both of them are genuine all-rounders and Ashwin has scored 4 of his 5 Test tons against the West Indies and two of them have come in the Caribbean.
On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja scored his maiden Test ton against the West Indies at home in India in 2018.
Coming to the fast-bowling department, Mohammed Siraj will be the leader with the possibility of Indian team management opting for the left-arm pace of Jaydev Unadkat, given his experience and ability to bowl long spells.
With Mohammad Shami being rested, either Mukesh Kumar or Navdeep Saini will be included as the third pacer. Or even Shardul Thakur might get a chance as well if India wants to lengthen their batting.
COC Predicted Team India Playing XI for the First Test:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan (WK), R Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj
