India vs West Indies Test 2025 live from Ahmedabad
India vs West Indies Test 2025 begins with high expectations and new challenges in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill will lead India in their first home Test since the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin. For the visitors, the tour comes on the back of poor form and injuries, leaving plenty at stake for both sides.
India face pressure in new home season
Every home season adds weight to India’s performances, but this one carries extra pressure. The India vs West Indies Test 2025 is the team’s first under Gill’s captaincy at home. Moreover, the absence of Ashwin creates uncertainty, making Ravindra Jadeja even more crucial with both bat and ball. Although conditions traditionally favor India, the unusually green pitch in Ahmedabad has made the toss more important than usual.
West Indies enter with heavy baggage
For West Indies, this India vs West Indies Test arrives after a humiliating home series defeat to Australia. Injuries to key fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph have further weakened their attack. Despite these issues, young pacer Jayden Seales stands out as a major threat, boasting 88 Test wickets at an impressive average. Captain Roston Chase admitted his team has nothing to lose, giving them freedom to play aggressively.
Team news and selection dilemmas
Selection decisions remain a talking point for the India vs West Indies Test 2025. India may opt for a third seamer, either Prasidh Krishna or allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, given the grassy surface. The visitors, however, are waiting on the arrival of Jediah Blades, while uncapped quick Johann Layne and spinner Khary Pierre could debut. These choices will play a vital role in how the first Test unfolds.
Ahmedabad pitch and conditions
The pitch for the India vs West Indies Test 2025 is expected to have around 4-5mm of grass, raising questions about movement for seamers. Intermittent rain in the lead-up has added further unpredictability, with showers also forecast for day one. Both sides must adapt quickly to conditions that could shift momentum rapidly.
Key stats to watch
Since 1994, West Indies have played 10 Tests in India without a victory, losing eight of them. Jadeja is also close to joining the elite club of allrounders with 4000 runs and 300 wickets. These subplots make the India vs West Indies Test opener even more compelling for fans and analysts alike.
