India vs West Indies 2018, 1st Test - Toss Report

India have won the toss and decided to bat first against West Indies in the first Test at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

Here is what the captains said:

Virat Kohli:

“We are gonna have bat first. Looks a good wicket. There’s a bit of grass that holds up the surface. We are playing three spinners. Kuldeep is playing. Umesh and Shami start for us. Shaw is making his debut. We need to focus on our lower order contribution. See what Shaw can do at the top. It’s all about giving them this phase. Give them some confidence.”

Test Cap No. 293: @PrithviShaw's dream come true moment ?#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/cPMiR1tLwW

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 4, 2018

Kraigg Brathwaite:

“I would have had a bat first as well. Using the new ball is the key for us. Got to be aggressive and enjoy the game. Holder is not playing. Lewis to make his debut today. I think the guys are looking forward to this.”

Preview:

There is absolutely no denying that India will be the firm favourites to win this game as well as the series. India have won all the last seven Test series against West Indies while the latter last won a series way back in 2000. However, winning the series perhaps will not be on top of India’s agenda after the 4-1 loss in England and a series against Australia lined up.

The selectors have already taken some big calls by dropping Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan. Instead the selectors have pinned their faith in Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. Both the new comers are untested openers at the top level. The team-management has confirmed 18-year Shaw will be debuting in the first Test while KL Rahul is likely to partner him at the top. India’s middle-order will also look to put up a good show after the inconsistent displays in England.

For West Indies, it will be all about defying the odds and building on the recent impressive results. They won a Test in England last year before drawing against Sri Lanka and beating Bangladesh at home. The visitors, however, have suffered a setback ahead of the first Test. Their pace spearhead Kemar Roach had to fly back home after the death of his grandmother.

PLAYING ELEVENS:

India:

 Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav

West Indies

Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sunil Ambris, Shane Dowrich(w), Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo, Sherman Lewis, Shannon Gabriel