India are set to begin their two-Test series against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2, 2025. This match will be particularly significant as it marks Shubman Gill’s first Test as captain on home soil, with Ravindra Jadeja serving as his deputy. While India enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, the visitors will be keen to punch above their weight and challenge the hosts in conditions that have historically tested their resilience.
The Ahmedabad pitch promises an intriguing battle. Prepared with red soil and covered with grass trimmed down to 4-5mm before the toss, the surface is expected to aid fast bowlers early on with seam movement and extra bounce. As the game progresses, however, wear and tear could bring spinners into play, ensuring a balanced contest between bat and ball.
India’s batting line-up looks solid with Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan forming the top order. In the middle, Jadeja provides experience alongside wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who replaces the injured Rishabh Pant. The spin department could feature Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are set to spearhead the pace attack.
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For the West Indies, Jayden Seales leads the bowling unit, supported by debutant Khary Pierre and spinner Jomel Warrican. Their batting hopes rest on the experienced Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, both returning after the 0-3 drubbing in Australia.
Historically, India and West Indies have clashed in 100 Test matches, with the Caribbean side holding a narrow lead—30 wins to India’s 23, alongside 47 draws. However, the Windies haven’t beaten India in over two decades, their last Test victory dating back to May 2002. For Gill and his men, this series presents an opportunity to extend that dominance at home.
India
India will count on Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan to anchor their batting, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna lead the pace attack. The spin arsenal, featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, adds depth. After a disappointing whitewash in New Zealand, India are eager to bounce back on home soil.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
West Indies
West Indies, however, face setbacks with pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph injured. Jayden Seales shoulders the pace responsibility, supported by debutant Khary Pierre and spinner Jomel Warrican, while the returns of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze strengthen their batting.
Probable XI: Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevlon Anderson, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope(wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Jediah Blades, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
