West Indies captain Roston Chase has issued a bold warning to India ahead of their upcoming two-Test series, declaring that his team will be a “dangerous” unit because they have nothing to lose. The West Indies enter this series placed sixth on the current World Test Championship (WTC) table, still searching for their first win after three matches.
Their record against India doesn’t inspire much confidence either — they haven’t beaten them in a Test since 2002, and the last West Indies victory on Indian soil dates back to the 1994-95 series. For a full series triumph, you have to rewind all the way to 1983-84. Yet, Chase believes that being underdogs gives his side the freedom to play fearless cricket.
“We are coming in as the underdogs. We have nothing to lose, so that makes us quite a dangerous side,” Roston Chase said, as quoted by PTI.
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Fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge, the Windies have been preparing with careful analysis of New Zealand’s stunning 3-0 Test whitewash of India last year. Chase revealed that his team has studied that series closely to identify key tactical takeaways.
“The analyst sent us footage of the New Zealand series, and we really focused on the critical points. I’ve played in India before and know the spin conditions well. More often than not, spinners will have to bowl longer spells, so we’ve been working hard in that area,” Roston Chase explained.
Interestingly, while New Zealand thrived on turning pitches, West Indies coach Darren Sammy has hinted at relying on their pace variety to unsettle India. That sets up an intriguing clash of styles. Adding another layer of suspense is the pitch in Ahmedabad, which, as of Wednesday, had a noticeable greenish tinge. Indian captain Shubman Gill suggested that the hosts may look for a balanced surface that gives assistance to both batters and bowlers.
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Roston Chase, however, remains wary but optimistic. “India is mainly a spin-based country, but the pitch yesterday did look a bit green. So, we don’t know what it will be yet,” he added.
With India keen to extend their dominance at home and the West Indies eager to prove themselves, the stage is set for a series that may offer more surprises than expected.
