(Cricket news) India will look to recover from their disappointing World Test Championship final in the 2 match Test series against West Indies. The men in blue will be looking for a dominating performance to show that they still have the ability to win Test matches away from home. The Windies will be determined to prove their worth especially after their failure to qualify for the One Day International World Cup.

India are likely to hand a debut to at least one player as experienced players Cheteshwar Pujara, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami are not a part of the squad. The first Test match will be played at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Dominica with the second one at the Queen’s Park Oval.

India’s ideal playing XI –

Openers: Rohit Sharma & Yashasvi Jaiswal

This series is very important for captain Rohit Sharma as he has been out of form for quite a while now. His captaincy will also be under the scanner especially in this transition phase. To replace Cheteshwar Pujara, India are likely to bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal. However it would make much more sense to let him open the batting like he has done in domestic cricket. That would mean that India will have a left and right hand combination up top. Shubman Gill can then bat in the middle order which has long been seen as his best position.

Middle order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli & Ajinkya Rahane 

Shubman Gill hasn’t been as consistent in red ball cricket as he has been in white ball cricket. This series would be perfect for him to stamp his authority in this format. Virat Kohli on the other hand hasn’t scored an overseas century since 14th December 2018. It is high time that he scores runs in this format and this is a good opportunity for him. Ajinkya Rahane made a stellar return to Test cricket in the WTC final. Now he is once again the vice captain in a place where he has an incredible record. This is a good chance for Rahane to cement his place in the side further.

Wicket keeper: KS Bharat

Despite playing 5 Tests, Bharat hasn’t done anything significant with the bat while his glove work hasn’t been perfect. However he has faced some tough situations and deserves more chances. This may be his last opportunity because Ishan Kishan is waiting while Rishabh Pant is also due to return.

Spin bowling all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja & Ravichandran Ashwin

India have benched Ashwin in English conditions a lot but this time around they can play two spinners. The combination of Ashwin and Jadeja with the ball will be lethal while their contribution with the bat will also be crucial. India could bench Ashwin again in favor of a fast bowler but that would be very hard on the off spinner. 

Fast bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat & Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj will be leading the attack while the addition of Jaydev Unadkat brings in a left arm pacer into the mix. Shardul Thakur is usually selected when India need a seamer who can bat. That isn’t necessary this time but his bowling alone should be enough to keep him in the side. Especially since the other two bowkers in the squad Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar are way behind in the pecking order.

Bench: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini.

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