IND vs WI Test Series: Shubman Gill to Lead India Against Depleted West Indies Side

Shubman Gill

India takes on West Indies in a two-match Test series, part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship.

“All the test matches we played in England went pretty deep ... what the people can expect from us is good...”

India's captain, Shubman Gill, believes switching from T20 to Test cricket is more of a mental challenge than a technical one. After a thrilling Asia Cup win, India's focus shifts to the two-match Test series against West Indies, starting Thursday in Ahmedabad. Gill expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt, stating, “I think the fatigue is more mental for a batsman. It's a little different for a bowler. As of now, I feel fresh and my body is ready.”

The Asia Cup triumph was marred by controversy, with India refusing to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. However, the players are determined to put this distraction aside and focus on the Test series. Gill emphasized the team's commitment to hard, grinding cricket, saying, “All the test matches we played in England went pretty deep... what the people can expect from us is good, hard, grinding cricket. We wouldn't be looking for any (easy ways out).”

“It was a quick turnaround ... switching formats is more mental than it is about technique,” Gill told a press conference on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, where the first test will be played, with the second match scheduled for Delhi from October 10.

The West Indies cricket team is facing a tough challenge as they head into their two-match Test series against India, starting on October 2 in Ahmedabad. They're already without two key fast bowlers, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, due to injuries. Shamar Joseph, who took 22 wickets in the last Test series against Australia, will be particularly missed. The team's recent performance hasn't been impressive, with a 3-0 whitewash loss to Australia and a surprising 2-1 defeat to Nepal in a T20 series.

Here is our Team India probable XI for the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad! 🇮🇳🤍💪

Would you make any changes to this lineup? 🤔#INDvWI #Tests #Ahmedabad #ShubmanGill #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/lxOxPFoqoN

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) October 1, 2025

In a bid to strengthen their lineup, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is set to make his return to Test cricket after a gap of over a year. Chanderpaul's experience and technique will be crucial in anchoring the West Indies' batting. Middle-order batsman Alick Athanaze has also been recalled to the squad, bringing his skills against spin bowling. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who claimed 41 wickets at an average of 13.56 in the West Indies Championship, has been included as the second specialist spinner in the squad.

West Indies' coach Andre Coley hasn't been quoted, but Shivnarine Chanderpaul's successor as West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite is under coach Andre Coley in the management, however the West Indies team management selected a competitive squad for the subcontinent conditions. Khary Pierre, a skilled left-arm spinner with 41 wickets in seven matches at an average of 13.56 in the West Indies Championship, has been picked as the second specialist spinner in the squad. “Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions,” said Shivnarine Chanderpaul's era successor management member, though the exact speaker isn't specified in available sources, but likely Sammy, possibly an assistant coach or selector.

India, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from their 3-0 series defeat by New Zealand last year. Shubman Gill believes his team will be prepared for a tough outing against the West Indies. “India, who are playing their first test at home since last year's 3-0 series defeat by New Zealand, will be prepared for a tough outing,” Gill said, highlighting the team's determination to perform well.

 

Training ✅

All set for the #INDvWI Test series opener in Ahmedabad 👍#TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/m7Ee9qlnOx

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 1, 2025

“All the test matches we played in England went pretty deep ... what the people can expect from us is good, hard, grinding cricket. We wouldn't be looking for any (easy ways out),” he added.