The West Indies have branded their ongoing two-Test tour of India as Mission India, a campaign that aims not only to compete on the field but also to reignite the Caribbean cricket spirit. The initiative, part of a larger dream titled Make West Indies Great Again (MWIGA), aims to attract sponsors, enhance infrastructure, and revive the pride once associated with names like Viv Richards and Brian Lara. The message is clear — the revival must begin with performance on the field.

A host of West Indies legends, including Brian Lara, Viv Richards, and Richie Richardson, have arrived in Delhi to inspire Roston Chase’s side before the second Test. Lara, speaking earlier in Mumbai, acknowledged the challenge of facing India at home but emphasised the importance of demonstrating competitiveness and pride. “It’s always tough to play and beat India, but we hope to put up a strong fight in the next match,” he said.

However, after their innings defeat in Ahmedabad, optimism is fading. The West Indies failed to last even 90 overs across both innings, with no batter crossing 40 runs. Their lack of patience and poor shot selection exposed deep flaws in temperament and technique — traits essential for Test cricket survival.

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As the action shifts to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, India remains overwhelming favourites. With the home side expected to retain their winning combination, attention will turn to Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Sudharsan, with just 147 runs in seven innings, faces growing pressure, though captain Shubman Gill has stood by him, emphasising patience and potential over short-term results.

The second Test, starting Friday, could well be another one-sided contest. On a dry, turning Delhi pitch, India aim to collect maximum World Test Championship points, while the West Indies will fight to last more than a few sessions simply.

India

There are no injury concerns in the Indian camp ahead of the Delhi Test. The main point of discussion is whether Nitish Reddy will be promoted up the batting order after missing out with the bat in Ahmedabad. The rest of the Indian XI is expected to remain unchanged, featuring Shubman Gill, Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Jurel, and Siraj among others.

Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

West Indies

For the West Indies, left-arm pacer Jediah Blades might be drafted in as their only likely change.

Probable XI: John Campbell, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athinaze, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican, Johann Layne/Jediah Blades, Jayden Seales