India vs Windies 2018: 1st Test Match, Rajkot: India's Predicted Playing XI

India will return to their home turf to try and keep dominating their position at the top of the table in the ICC Test rankings. Virat Kohli will also get back into the Test side after resting for the Asia Cup 2018. The number side will take on the number eighth side, Windies at Rajkot from 4th October. Here we try to decode India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first Test match against the Windies.

Meanwhile, Indian selectors have added new faces to the team. Therefore, it would be a perfect opportunity for India to test their bench strength. Furthermore, these rookie players can also grow in confidence. Thus, it could be a perfect preparation for the all-important Australia tour.

In fact, Prithvi Shaw is expected to make his debut for India. Shaw will become the 293rd Test player. Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal was finally called into the Test squad.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first Test match.

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw had received his maiden call-up to the squad on the England tour. Shaw has been knocking hard for his opportunity and is likely to make his Test debut against Windies. Thus, Shaw makes the cut into India’s Predicted Playing XI.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul had only played one match in the Asia Cup. However, Rahul will be India’s first choice opener in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay.

India would want to solve some batting issues.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara had a decent tour of England. However, he was not consistent throughout the series. Thus, Pujara will like to get back into form against depleted Windies.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will get back to the Indian team. Kohli was in the form of his life in England and would like to carry on the same impetus against the visitors.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t have a great record while playing in the home conditions. Therefore, India’s deputy will like to improve his numbers in the familiar conditions.

Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari had shown the stomach for the fight in his debut Test match against England. Subsequently, Vihari will like to add more confidence to his bag.

Rishabh Pant (wk)

India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant had shown what he can bring to the table in the final innings of the England tour. With Karthik missing out on his opportunities, Pant is likely to hold on his wicketkeeping gloves in absence of Saha.

Ashwin-Jadeja will play together after a long time.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin had missed the last Test against England due to a hip injury. However, Ashwin is declared fit now and he is likely to hold on to his place.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja had a fine match against England. Jadeja also did well in the Asia Cup. Hence, the all-rounder will like to keep delivering for his team.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav was dropped from the playing XI on the England tour. However, Yadav should be in the team as he has done well in the recent past.

Mohammed Shami

Shami had bowled his heart out on the England tour. In fact, Shami was a bit unlucky as he had gone past the bat numerous times. Shami will lead India’s pace battery against Windies.