India kick-start WTC cycle 2023-25 with Test series against West Indies as transition begins

After a month-long hiatus following their loss in the WTC final, the Indian cricket team is set to shift.

Their focus to the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2023-2025 as they embark on a two-match Test series against the West Indies. While the West Indies are still grappling with the significant setback they experienced during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers earlier this month, the Indian cricket team will be striving for a commanding victory against the West Indies before their participation in the Asia Cup. Additionally, a few promising young players from both teams are anticipated to make their international debut during the series, presenting them with a valuable opportunity

YASHASVI JAISWAL SET FOR DEBUT

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s highly anticipated debut in the two-Test series against a struggling West Indies marks a transitional phase for the Indian team, as they look for redemption.

With Cheteshwar Pujara’s departure creating a vacancy in the Indian top-order, the immensely talented left-handed batsman from Mumbai hopes to live up to his reputation and the promise he has displayed in first-class cricket.

While Jaiswal, aged 21, typically opens the batting for Mumbai, West Zone, and Rest of India in red-ball cricket, starting at No. 3 could help him settle his nerves initially. Facing a seasoned bowling attack consisting of Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, and Jason Holder, Jaiswal will face a trial by fire.

INDIA’S PACE BOWLING PROBLEMS

The new World Test Championship cycle for India looks to be a more difficult assignment than the previous two. The Indian bowling attack will lack the sharpness that made the team a dominant force in the absence of the injured Jasprit Bumrah, who may struggle to play Test matches on a regular basis, and the skilled Mohammed Shami, who has been rested for this series. Ishant Sharma, one of the two remaining members of the legendary bowling quartet, will make his commentary debut in this series, while Umesh Yadav, 36, may find it difficult to make a comeback after recovering from a hamstring injury.