India aim for another dominant win over struggling West Indies, assessing Sudharsan and Nitish while capitalizing on Kotla’s seamer-friendly pitch.
New Delhi
India will look to wrap up the two-Test series with another dominant display when they face a struggling West Indies side in the final match beginning Friday (today). For the hosts, the focus will also be on assessing Sai Sudharsan’s temperament and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s all-round potential in home conditions.
After a crushing innings win in Ahmedabad, India’s sights are firmly set on strengthening their position in the World Test Championship standings and building momentum ahead of the tougher challenge against South Africa later this year. The Feroz Shah Kotla pitch, expected to assist seamers due to visible dry patches, could lead to another early finish. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that India are likely to field an unchanged XI, ensuring Nitish retains his spot as the seam-bowling all-rounder.
While India’s batting remains formidable, Sudharsan’s form is a mild concern, with six low scores in his last seven innings. Surrounded by in-form teammates like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, he will be keen to prove his red-ball credentials.
The contrast between the two sides could not be starker. India exude confidence and direction, while the West Indies continue to struggle with consistency and purpose. Head coach Darren Sammy described the team’s decline as “a terminal disease.” Despite mentoring sessions from legends Vivian Richards, Richie Richardson, and Brian Lara, the visitors face an uphill battle. All signs point to another commanding Indian victory — likely sealed within three days.
India: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Devdutt Padikkal.
West Indies: Roston Chase (Captain), Teganarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Justin Greaves, Kharry Pierre, Shai Hope, Jayden Seals, Jamel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Jediah Blades, Tevin Imlach, Anderson Phillip.
