Axar Patel failed not make India’s playing XI for the opening Test of the two-match series against the West Indies at Ahmedabad. The left-arm allrounder, who has been a mainstay in India’s home Tests in recent years, did not make the cut as team management decided to change the balance of their bowling unit.
On the green pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India chose three spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. Both Jadeja and Sundar are expected to provide bat depth, giving Shubman Gill’s club extra middle-order options. Kuldeep was recalled after sitting on the bench for the whole of the England tour and brings wrist-spin variety. Along with them, India has two frontline seamers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, while Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has returned from injury, provides a another fast-bowling option as an allrounder.
Toss Update
The coin flip at Narendra Modi Stadium went in favour of the West Indies, who won the toss and opted to bat first. The Caribbean team, which is visiting India for a Test series after a seven-year hiatus, is fielding two seamers, two spinners, and an all-rounder. Notably, pacer Johann Layne and spinner Khary Pierre were handed their debut caps. Meanwhile, for India, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel was missing from the playing XI. The hosts opted for three spin bowling options, two seaming options, and one fast-bowling option in terms of Nitish Kumar Reddy.
India enters with three spinners and two pacers
Axar, who was part of India’s victorious Asia Cup campaign, couldn’t make it to the XI, as vice-captain Jadeja, Sundar, and Kuldeep were shortlisted. Axar, who has represented India in the red-ball format in 14 games so far, will have to wait for his turn. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishn, who featured in three Tests of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, was also missing from the playing XI.
What did the captains say?
India captain Shubman Gill
We have got four Tests (at home) before the end of the year and we would like to win all four. Preparation has been good. Everyone is in great touch, it is about getting into the red-ball mindset. It looks like a very good surface. Not disappointed with losing the toss, it has been under covers and there might be some help early on. We have two seamers – Bumrah and Siraj, three spinners – Jaddu Bhai, Washington and Kuldeep, and allrounder Nitish Reddy.
West Indies captain Roston Chase
We are going to bat first. Looks a good one. There will be a bit of moisture, it is Test cricket and we will have to handle that first couple of hours. It is a young side, we want to come out and play some good cricket. We don’t want to be batting last on this wicket as we know it will turn. We have gone with two seamers, two spinners and an allrounder.
Playing 11s
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
India
