India’s predicted playing XI for the 2nd Test vs West Indies

India will be looking to secure their first win in the 2023-25 ​​World Test Series (WTC) when they take on the West Indies in the second Test in Port-of-Spain.

It was smooth sailing for Rohit Sharma & Co in the series opener as they secured a thumping victory on the back of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravichandran Ashwin’s top ten century. The away side will know they are the stronger side on paper and won’t want to make too many changes to their XI play.

India’s Test squad for the West Indies series: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahani (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Thaidurga, Mohd Onadkat, Navdeep Saini.

Here is India’s predictions for the playing XI of the Second Test against the West Indies.

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal

Rohit hit an impressive century in the first Test before being promptly dismissed, bested by his new opening partner. Yashasvi Jaiswal has whacked hundreds of dads in debut to announce his arrival on the international stage, negotiating pace and spin with a fair amount of ease.

With conditions likely to be more favorable to the bowlers this time around, Rohit and Jaiswal will need to stay on their toes if they are to strike another important opening partnership.

Middle Rank: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkia Rahan, Ishan Kishan (The Week)

Shubman Gill hasn’t completely deciphered the test format yet, but it’s only a matter of time before he starts looting runs. Batting at number three, he has what it takes to make a big score in the Second Test.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has been at the forefront of criticism over the past few years. The stellar batter never seemed very reliable at the crease against the red ball, something only centuries – and many of them – could dispel. He looked fine in the previous game and will be looking forward to the triple digit mark.

Ajinkya Rahane fell short in the first test, shortly after his exploits in the final of the World Tennis Championships. An experienced hitter will want to make the most of his excellent record in the Caribbean (and against the Windies in general).

Unfortunately, Ishan Kishan didn’t get much of a hit on his debut in the last Test, but managed to impress Rohit with glove work. Although his retention was unimpressive at times, it would only grow from here. Can the Southern Bao deliver with the bat? Only time will tell.

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin form the backbone of India’s quintessential Test XI, and will have pivotal roles to play once again. Windies batsmen will find it nearly impossible to counter the exacting bowling duo.

If the surface in Port of Spain is similar to that in Dominica, India may be tempted to use Axar Patel at the expense of one of their fast bowlers. That does not look likely yet, with Shardul Thakur expected to retain his place in the side.

Shooters: Jaidev Onadkat, Mohamed Siraj

Mukesh Kumar is an excellent choice for the red ball, but there hasn’t been much of Dominica’s workload in India’s frontline. Mohamed Siraj and Jaidev Onadkat should be trusted to take the fresh ball in the second Test as well.