The first Test of the 2025 India vs West Indies series brings renewed excitement for cricket fans.
India will begin their new Test journey under fresh leadership, while the West Indies arrive determined to make an impression in subcontinental conditions.
This match is not only about bilateral rivalry but also carries weight in the ICC World Test Championship.
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India vs West Indies: Match Details
- Date: October 2 to October 6, 2025
- Time: 09:30 AM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Format: 5-day Test
Squads & Key Players
India
India will miss the services of Rishabh Pant due to injury, while Ravindra Jadeja has been named vice-captain. Shubman Gill leads the side with several new names in the batting order.
Key players:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj / Prasidh Krishna / Kuldeep Yadav
West Indies
The West Indies squad faces a setback with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph ruled out due to injury. They will depend on a mix of youth and experience, with coach Daren Sammy focusing on adaptability.
Key players:
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Alick Athanaze
- Middle-order batters with experience in handling spin
- Fast bowlers with the ability to extract reverse swing
India vs West Indies: Historical Context & Head-to-Head
India has dominated the West Indies in Test cricket at home, especially in the last two decades.
While the West Indies once enjoyed a rich legacy in Tests, victories in India have been rare in recent years. India’s spin strength and home conditions have usually tilted the balance heavily in their favour.
India vs West Indies: Pitch, Conditions & Strategy
Pitch
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is expected to assist seamers on the opening day due to its greenish surface. As the Test progresses, spinners are likely to come into play, especially in the final two days.
Conditions
October in Ahmedabad usually brings dry conditions, so rain interruptions are unlikely. Hot afternoons could mean some wear and tear on the pitch that favours spin.
Strategies
- India will rely on early breakthroughs from Bumrah and Siraj before allowing spinners like Jadeja and Kuldeep to dominate.
- West Indies must maximise the first innings batting and hope their bowlers make use of the new ball to create pressure.
- Toss will play a vital role, as batting last on a turning track will be extremely difficult.
India vs West Indies: Match Analysis & Key Battles
- India’s batting vs West Indian pace attack: India’s top order, including Rahul and Jaiswal, will need to counter the new ball.
- West Indies batting vs Indian spin: The middle order of West Indies will face the real challenge from Jadeja, Sundar, and Kuldeep.
- Pace factor: With Joseph absent, the West Indies lack their spearhead, giving India a significant advantage.
India vs West Indies: Prediction
India enter the 1st Test as clear favourites. Their strong batting depth, experienced spin attack, and home advantage make them more likely to win.
West Indies will need extraordinary performances to either force a draw or challenge for an upset.
Probable result: India wins or draws.
Probable Playing XI
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj / Kuldeep Yadav
West Indies
- Kraigg Brathwaite (captain)
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Alick Athanaze
- Nkrumah Bonner
- Middle-order batsman (depending on final squad)
- Jason Holder
- Joshua Da Silva (wk)
- Gudakesh Motie
- Kemar Roach
- Jayden Seales
- Spinner / additional pacer
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 1st Test between India and the West Indies 2025 start?
The match starts on October 2, 2025, at 09:30 AM IST.
Where will the 1st Test be played?
It will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Who is leading India in this series?
Shubman Gill is captaining India in the absence of senior players.
Why is Rishabh Pant not part of the squad?
Rishabh Pant is recovering from a foot injury and is unavailable for the series.
What is the likely result of the 1st Test?
India are favourites to win due to their spin strength and home advantage, though a draw is also possible if West Indies manage to bat long.