India are set to face West Indies in the first Test of a two-match series, starting Thursday, October 2, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This series will marks India’s first home assignment in the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle and holds significance as they aim to build momentum following a recent 2-2 series draw in England. India, currently placed third in the WTC standings, are considered clear favorites as they kick off their home campaign under new Test captain Shubman Gill.

New era for India under Shubman Gill

The series signals a new era for India’s Test side, being their first at home since the retirements of veteran players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin. New captain Gill, who impressed in the England series, will be leading the charge in this home series.  Following the opening Test in Ahmedabad (October 2-6), the teams will move to Delhi for the second and final Test, which will be held from October 10-14 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The home team’s pitch strategy is a point of discussion after whitewash at home against New Zealand, India may opt for sporting tracks that last longer, as opposed to rank turners, to allow their new-look batting lineup more time in the middle. This series also serves as a crucial platform for India’s younger players ahead of their subsequent series against South Africa.

The crucial overseas challenge for West Indies

This Test series against India marks a pivotal period for the West Indies Test side, as they embark on a taxing phase of their 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Under the leadership of captain Roston Chase, the Caribbean side faces a stern test in India, particularly given the unfortunate, late loss of key fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Josephto injury. The West Indies will be desperate to secure their first points of the WTC cycle, having begun without a win. Following the Tests in Ahmedabad (October 2-6) and Delhi (October 10-14), their WTC campaign continues with a demanding three-Test tour of New Zealand in >November-December 2025

Stakes in the World Test Championship (WTC)

India’s goal is to improve their position in the WTC points table, where they currently have a Point Percentage (PCT) of 46.67. They will look to capitalize on home conditions to secure maximum points. West Indies, reeling from a previous series loss and sitting at the bottom of the table with a 0.00 PCT, desperately need a strong showing to open their account and stay in contention in the WTC standings. With India aiming to cement their dominance at home and West Indies hoping for a breakthrough, the series promises a compelling contest.

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India vs West Indies, Test Series Fixtures:

Squads:

India: Shubman Gill (C), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), N. Jagadeesan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

West Indies: Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (WK), Tevin Imlach (WK), Jediah Blades, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:

• India: Star Sports 2/2 HD, Star Sports Hindi 1/1 HD, Star Sports Tamil 1/1 HD, Star Sports Telugu 1/1 HD & Star Sports Kannada 1
• West Indies: ESPN [Sign-up here]
• Australia: Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports
• New Zealand: Sky Sports 2
• UK: TNT Sports 1
• Middle East & North Africa (MENA): StarzPlay
• USA and Canada:  Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
• Pakistan: Tapmad
• South Africa: SuperSport 201, SuperSport 207, SuperSport 212

Also READ: IND vs WI: India’s playing XI for the first Test in Ahmedabad against West Indies – Predicted