IND vs WI: Gaiwad Debut, Kohli or Rahane Dropped? 3 Possible Team India Changes For 2nd Test

Rohit Sharma-led India registered a comprehensive innings and 141 runs victory over Kraigg Brathwaite’s West Indies in the series opener last week at the Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica, where Indian spinners bamboozled the hosts.

After Ravichandran Ashwin’s five-wicket haul bundled out the West Indies for 150 in the first innings, skipper Rohit (103) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (171) smashed hundreds to power India to 421/5 declared, taking a 271-run lead in the match. Kohli also added 76 runs in the innings.

Ashwin once again worked his magic, claiming seven wickets, to bowl out West Indies for 130 in the second innings, eventullay claiming an innings victory heading into the second Test. Now ahead of IND vs WI 2nd Test, we take a look at the possible changes Team India could make:

Ruturaj Gaikwad Likely To Debut at the expense of senior batter

The opener, who was recently named the captain of the Asian Games 2023 squad, may make his Test debut in Port of Spain. Although the opening slot will be unavailable, Gaikwad could be handed a chance to stake his claim in the number 3, 4 or 5 slots.

So, that may lead to either Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli or Ajinkya Rahane to make way for the Maharashtra batter in the second Test as Team India will see this match as the best chance to test his ability in the red ball on the international stage.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who was impressed with Jaiswal after the youngster scored a brilliant 171 on his Test debut, feels Gaikwad could do exactly the same if given a chance.

“There’s a lot of those young Indian guys that I can’t wait to see play Test cricket and yet you look at their domestic records as well and you can’t help but be impressed,” Ponting said in ICC review.

“I’m on record saying that I think (Ruturaj) Gaikwad’s the same (as Jaiswal). I think he could be a very serious Test match player or all-format player really in the next couple of years.”

It is very likely that, if Gaikwad is brought into the playing 11, he could either replace Gill at number three or Rahane, who is very likely to be phased out soon, at number five as India have failed to find solution for those positions.

Thakur to make way? Another spinner to be brought in?

After West Indies’ struggle with spin, India may look at bringing in Axar Patel, who is no mug with the bat, to the playing 11. Although he will get less opportunity to bowl with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja expected to do the bulk of the bowling, Axar can definitely be a handy option for the skipper.

If Axar comes into the playing 11, it will be to replace Shardul Thakur, who is also in the side as the bowling all-rounder. Having seen much assistance for spin in the first Test, India may need to take a call on the bowling attack after looking at the wicket for the second Test.

Mukesh Kumar set for debut – Pace Attack to see change?

The Indian pace attack for the first Test was Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Jaydev Unadkat. Mukesh Kumar, who is yet to earn a cap and Navdeep Saini are the other two pace options. Like testing Gaikwad, India may look at handing Mukesh also his Test debut.

Mukesh could come into the side in place of Unadkat, who was not used much in the first Test as the spinners dominated proceedings right from day one. Not a like for like change, but it’s the best time for India to test their depth with the next red ball game lined up for only in December.

India Possible Playing 11 vs West Indies for 2nd Test

Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj.