T20 sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal to open in West Indies series, Shubman Gill to replace Pujara at No. 3: Rohit Sharma

With the commencement of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 cycle, Jaiswal’s impressive performance in white-ball cricket has earned him a spot in the Test squad. Having amassed an impressive 625 runs in the 2023 IPL, boasting an average of 48 and a remarkable strike rate of 163.61, Jaiswal has showcased his talent in red-ball cricket as well. His extraordinary feat of scoring 265 runs in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy Final last year, coupled with an average of over 80 in his initial 26 First-Class innings, further solidified his selection.

The vacancy left by Cheteshwar Pujara, who was not included in the touring squad, will be filled by India’s current opener, Shubman Gill. Gill will take up the No. 3 position in the batting order, as confirmed by Captain Rohit Sharma during the pre-match press conference. Sharma revealed that Gill expressed his desire to play at number 3, citing his past experience and belief that he can contribute more effectively from that position. This strategic decision also allows for a combination of left and right-hand opening batsmen.

Expressing his optimism about the new opening partnership, Rohit Sharma emphasized the significance of having a left-hander in the lineup, a void the team had been seeking to fill for quite some time. Sharma voiced his hope that Jaiswal would perform exceptionally well for the team and establish himself in the side.

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane had previously hinted at Jaiswal’s inclusion in the playing XI and sent words of encouragement to the young talent. Praising Jaiswal’s domestic cricket performances for Mumbai and his success in the IPL, Rahane advised him to approach the international arena with freedom and express his natural batting abilities.

Furthermore, Captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that India would field two spinners in the opening Test. Although specific names were not mentioned, it is widely anticipated that Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will occupy the two spinner slots, with Axar Patel serving as the reserve spinner in the squad.