The First Test match between India and West Indies is set to kick off tomorrow, marking the start of a month-long Caribbean tour for Team India. After the disappointment of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the Indian players are eager to get back on the field and make a strong start to the new WTC cycle.
Chance for Young Talents to mark
The Indian team has made a few notable changes to the squad for the Test series. Young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad have earned their maiden call-ups, bringing fresh energy to the team. However, the veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara and pacer Umesh Yadav have been left out, indicating a transitional phase for the team as they gradually phase out the senior players. In a surprising move, Ajinkya Rahane has been reinstated as the vice-captain, a responsibility he previously held. This decision comes as Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable for selection.
West Indies’ Motivation
The West Indies team has their own set of challenges to address. Coming off a series loss to South Africa and failing to qualify for ICC World Cup 2024, the team is determined to turn things around. Playing against and defeating India would serve as a significant motivating factor for the West Indies players to perform at their best and improve their recent record.
Squads Overview
The West Indies squad for the first Test includes Kraigg Brathwaite as the captain and Jermaine Blackwood as the vice-captain. The uncapped batters Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie have earned their places in the team, while experienced players like Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, and Kemar Roach provide a strong pace attack. Spinners Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican add depth to the bowling department.
India’s squad for the Test series features Rohit Sharma as the captain, with promising talents like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the batting lineup. Ajinkya Rahane resumes his role as the vice-captain, bringing his experience and leadership to the team. The presence of seasoned all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja strengthens the squad, along with the likes of Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling department.
Live Telecast and Streaming
The Test matches between India and West Indies will commence at 7:30 PM IST. The series will be broadcasted live on Doordarshan (DD) Sports channel for free cable networks, as well as on JioCinema and Fancode for online streaming.
ODIs and T20I for the Preparation of World Cup
Following the Test series, India and West Indies will continue their tour with three ODIs and five T20Is. Both white ball format will be crucial for Indian Team, India have to play 50-over World Cup in October this year and this series gives another opportunity to settle their squad. T20Is are also crucial as the T20 World Cup 2024 is going to take place in the Caribbean next year. The matches will take place across various venues in the West Indies and the USA, providing fans with an action-packed cricketing extravaganza.
With the series about to begin, cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the clash between India and West Indies. Both teams have a lot to prove, and fans can expect some thrilling encounters as the battle for supremacy unfolds.
FAQs
To provide further clarity, here are some commonly asked questions about the India vs West Indies tour:
Is India touring West Indies for the Full series in 2024?
Yes, India is embarking on a full tour of the West Indies in 2024, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The last tour took place in 2022 where white ball cricket was played.
What are the venues for the India Tour of West Indies 2024?
The matches will be held at various venues, including Dominica and Trinidad for Tests, Barbados and Tarouba for ODIs, and Tarouba, Guyana, and Lauderhill, Florida for T20Is.
Where can I watch the matches of the India Tour of West Indies 2024?
The matches will be available for live streaming on Fan Code and JioCinema. Additionally, DD Sports will broadcast the matches on television.
