Leading the Indian cricket team at home is often described as a privilege, but in reality, it comes with enormous pressure. In Test cricket, especially on Indian soil, anything short of victory is seen as failure. A draw is treated like a loss, and a series defeat is considered a disaster. That is the weight of expectation on new captain Shubman Gill, who will lead India in the first Test against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

India are chasing crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC), where they currently sit third behind Australia and Sri Lanka. With South Africa, the reigning champions, touring in November for two Tests in Guwahati and Kolkata, this series against a weakened West Indies side could be pivotal in shaping India’s campaign.

New captain, new cycle, new pitch strategy

The scars of India’s previous home series defeat to New Zealand remain fresh. Misreading conditions in Bengaluru and collapsing for 46, followed by panic-driven rank turners in Pune and Mumbai, cost India dearly. This time, the team management seems determined to correct past errors.

A red-soil pitch with a grass covering has been prepared in Ahmedabad. Such a surface will aid both pace and spin, giving India the flexibility to unleash Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj alongside their spinners. Sporadic rain has kept the pitch under covers, adding further intrigue to the contest.

Selection dilemmas for India

The biggest talking point revolves around the No. 3 batting slot. Tamil Nadu’s Sai Sudharsan was the frontrunner, but a shoulder issue prevented him from batting on match-eve. If he misses out, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to step in.

Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are confirmed starters, while Gill, who scored 754 runs in England, is set to anchor the innings at No. 4.

India could opt for bold team balance by slotting wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel at No. 5, enabling them to field up to four spinners—Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. Sundar, Jadeja, and Axar also provide strong batting depth.

Kuldeep, who missed out in the England series, seems primed for inclusion this time. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and his improving batting, evident in his partnership with Jurel in Ranchi against England in 2024, make him a valuable asset.

West Indies on the back foot

The visitors enter this series on shaky ground. Injuries have sidelined their two premier pacers—Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph—leaving skipper Roston Chase to rely on an inexperienced attack. Their spin department, led by Jomel Warrican, will be under pressure to deliver against India’s seasoned batters.

The West Indies’ confidence has also taken a hit. They lost three home Tests to Australia in the ongoing WTC cycle, including a humiliating 27 all out in Kingston. Against an Indian side stacked with talent in both departments, the odds appear heavily stacked against them.

Stakes for India

India’s primary aim is to secure maximum WTC points. A home win not only boosts their campaign but also sets the tone ahead of tougher assignments against South Africa and Australia. With Gill at the helm for the first time on home soil, this match will also be a test of his leadership credentials.

More than just results, however, this series represents an opportunity for India to establish a new identity in the WTC cycle—one built on balance, flexibility, and bold decision-making.

Conclusion

As India step into the Ahmedabad Test, the script is clear: expectations are sky-high, and anything short of dominance will be questioned. For Shubman Gill, leading India at home marks the beginning of a new era—one where his team must prove that past mistakes are behind them. Against a weakened West Indies, the opportunity is ripe, but in Indian cricket, opportunities come with the burden of inevitability: victory is the only acceptable outcome.