IND vs WI 1st Test 2025 : Full Pre-Match Preview
Cricket fans are gearing up for an exciting IND vs WI clash as India hosts the West Indies for the first Test of their two-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This Test marks the start of India’s home campaign in the ongoing 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship. Both teams are eager to make a statement, with India looking to assert dominance at home and the West Indies aiming to upset the hosts with their experienced yet youthful squad.
The IND vs WI 1st Test promises high-quality cricket action with strategic battles between top batsmen and lethal bowlers. In this detailed blog, we break down everything you need to know before the first ball is bowled, including predicted lineups, pitch analysis, match predictions, fantasy cricket tips, key players, head-to-head statistics, and expert insights.
🏟️ Match Overview: IND vs WI 1st Test
- Date: October 2–6, 2025
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Start Time: 9:30 AM IST
- Format: 5-day Test Match
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports / JioHotstar
Ahmedabad is known for its spin-friendly tracks, which historically favor India’s strong spin attack. The pitch often offers turn from day one, making it a key factor in deciding the match outcome. With both teams adjusting to conditions, toss-winning captains may have a strategic advantage.
India Predicted Playing XI for IND vs WI
India has picked a balanced squad for the series. The combination of youth and experience ensures flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.
- KL Rahul – Opening batsman
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Opening batsman
- Sai Sudharsan – Middle-order batsman
- Shubman Gill (C) – Captain and middle-order batsman
- Dhruv Jurel (WK) – Wicketkeeper-batsman
- Ravindra Jadeja (VC) – All-rounder
- Washington Sundar – All-rounder
- Axar Patel – All-rounder
- Kuldeep Yadav – Spinner
- Jasprit Bumrah – Fast bowler
- Mohammed Siraj – Fast bowler
Analysis: India’s batting line-up is solid with Rahul, Jaiswal, and Gill providing a strong top order. Middle-order stability comes from Sudharsan and Jadeja, while Sundar and Axar add depth with bat and ball. Bumrah and Siraj ensure India has a fast-bowling threat to complement the spinners.
🏝️ West Indies Predicted Playing XI for IND vs WI
The West Indies have selected a youthful squad with key experienced players:
- Alick Athanaze – Batsman
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul – Batsman
- Kevlon Anderson – Batsman
- Brandon King – Batsman
- Roston Chase (C) – All-rounder
- Shai Hope – Wicketkeeper-batsman
- Justin Greaves – All-rounder
- Jomel Warrican (VC) – Spinner
- Jediah Blades – Bowler
- Khary Pierre – Bowler
- Jayden Seales – Bowler
Analysis: West Indies’ team relies on Chase for all-round contributions. The combination of Seales, Pierre, and Blades offers a decent pace attack, while Warrican’s spin will be tested on Ahmedabad’s turning pitch. Shai Hope is crucial for stability behind the stumps and in the batting order.
🧭 Key Players to Watch: IND vs WI
For India:
- Shubman Gill (C): Formed the backbone of India’s batting in the Asia Cup, capable of big innings.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Provides both bowling and batting depth; a vital player on spin-friendly tracks.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Can exploit early movement and is deadly in the final innings on turning pitches.
For West Indies:
- Roston Chase (C): All-round contribution will be crucial for West Indies’ fightback.
- Shai Hope: Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman expected to anchor innings under pressure.
- Jayden Seales: Young pacer who can exploit any seam or bounce on day one.
🌤️ Pitch & Weather Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch usually offers assistance to spinners, especially from day two onward. Batsmen who leave deliveries outside off stump may be trapped by turn. The dry and warm weather, with temperatures ranging between 30–35°C, ensures minimal swing for pacers after the first session, making spin attacks crucial.
- Pitch Type: Dry, turning track
- Weather: Warm and sunny
- Expected Impact: India likely to field multiple spinners; batting teams need patience
🏆 Head-to-Head Statistics: IND vs WI
India and the West Indies have played 100 Test matches against each other:
- India Wins: 23
- West Indies Wins: 30
- Draws: 47
Historically, West Indies were dominant, but recent years have shifted in India’s favor, especially at home. This IND vs WI 1st Test is expected to continue that trend with India as clear favorites.
📝 Match Predictions: IND vs WI
Expert View:
India has a home advantage, a well-set batting order, and a formidable bowling attack. West Indies have pace and spin options but may struggle on a dry Ahmedabad track.
- Prediction: India likely to win by an innings or 150+ runs.
- Key Factor: Spin dominance and middle-order resilience.
🧠 Fantasy XI Tips for IND vs WI
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts can leverage the pitch and player form:
- Captain: Shubman Gill – consistent and reliable
- Vice-Captain: Ravindra Jadeja – all-rounder points potential
- Batsmen: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Roston Chase
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel
- Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav
This setup maximizes points from both batting and bowling departments in a spin-heavy match scenario.
📊 Strategic Insights: IND vs WI
India’s Strategy:
- Batting Patience: Focus on building partnerships and rotating strike.
- Spin Utilization: Rely on Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep as primary wicket-takers.
- Short Ball Tactics: Bumrah and Siraj to attack early with aggressive bowling.
West Indies’ Strategy:
- Counter Spin: Early partnerships are key to avoid collapses against Indian spinners.
- Seam Bowling: Seales and Pierre to exploit initial movement.
- Middle-order Stability: Chase and Hope to stabilize innings and target partnerships.
✅ Match Highlights to Watch
- Toss and decision impact on pitch.
- First 50 overs of each innings: critical for momentum.
- Performance of Indian spinners versus West Indies top order.
- Key all-round contributions shaping match outcome.
📺 How to Watch IND vs WI
- TV: Star Sports
- Streaming: JioHotstar (Live)
- For Live Scores Visit Here
Always check your local broadcast schedules for the most accurate timing and coverage.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When and where is the IND vs WI 1st Test played?
A1: The match starts on October 2, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Q2: Who are the captains for IND vs WI?
A2: Shubman Gill captains India, and Roston Chase leads the West Indies.
Q3: Which Indian players are likely to score big in IND vs WI?
A3: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to anchor the innings.
Q4: Who should be captain in Fantasy XI for IND vs WI?
A4: Shubman Gill is the best choice for captain, with Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain.
Q5: What type of pitch can be expected for IND vs WI?
A5: Spin-friendly dry pitch, offering turn from day two onward.
Conclusion:
The IND vs WI 1st Test 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With India enjoying home advantage and a spin-friendly track, they are favorites to dominate. The West Indies, however, have talented players capable of challenging the hosts. Cricket enthusiasts and fantasy players alike should expect an action-packed match filled with strategic play, memorable innings, and potential records.
