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Shubman Gill drops huge hint on India's surprise plan for 1st Test vs West Indies

Anurag Dasgupta

Gill hints about India's playing XI Vs WI [Source: AFP Photo]Gill hints about India's playing XI Vs WI [Source: AFP Photo]

The Asia Cup is done and dusted, and the caravan has shifted towards the upcoming West Indies Test, set to begin on Thursday, October 2. The first Test of the two-match series will be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, as India gears up to win their first Test series under Shubman Gill.

Normally, in Indian conditions, spinners tend to dominate the proceedings as the curators generally produce rank-turners to assist the Indian spin-bowlers. However, if the latest reports are to be believed, then the Ahmedabad track will be a green top, favouring the pace bowlers.

It has to be noted that if the surface will be beneficial for the fast bowlers, India might have to re-think about their playing XI strategy.

Gill hints at India's team selection

Ahead of the first Test match, India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill, attended the pre-game press conference and gave a hint about playing an extra pacer if the pitch and the weather permit.

"Given the weather conditions and the pitch, we might be tempted to play a third seamer," Gill said as quoted by RevSportz.

India have their batting order sorted, but it is the bowling attack which could give headache to Gill, and coach Gautam Gambhir.

Who could be the third pacer if India go ahead with the plan

Most likely, India will go ahead with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the two front-line pacers, and that leaves one spot for the third wheel. Prasidh Krishna is the third pacer in the squad, and if the surface allows, the team could be tempted to go in with a three-man pace attack.

That would leave out Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI. Gautam Gambhir loves having all-rounders in the playing XI, and India could go ahead with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar as the three spin-bowling all-rounders.

Also, if Krishna is not picked, India could be tempted to go with Nitish Kumar Reddy as the seam-bowling all-rounder.