Eight-Test Series: The Indian Test team will shortly be in action. Following the heartbreak of the ICC World Test Championship final, Rohit Sharma and his squad will begin again, this time against the West Indies in their own home. The team is not the same as the one that won the series the last time Virat Kohli led his soldiers here. It is a side in transition, and expectations, while ambitious, should be moderated significantly.
West Indies, on the other hand, fared poorly in the ICC World Cup qualifiers. When it comes to Test cricket at home, though, the side is a different beast. They have a strong bowling attack and batsman who can survive and score runs. The Indian squad will not have an easy time of it.
Here are three reasons why the West Indies can end India’s eight-Test series winning streak in 2023:
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India’s bowling staff is inexperienced.
It must be stated that India’s glory days of speed bowlers appear to be receding. During this trip, the visitors will bring a total of 88 Test wickets. Mohammed Siraj, who has 52 wickets, is at the front of the pack.
It should be noted that the last time India played without a fast bowler with less than 100 Test wickets was in 2013-14. Jasprit Bumrah is injured, Mohammed Shami is resting, Umesh Yadav continues to miss out despite being over 35, and Ishant Sharma appears to be out of the picture. This lack of bowling expertise might be a major reason why the West Indies could provide a significant challenge to Rohit Sharma and his side.
2) West Indies are a formidable force at home.
West Indies performance in the just concluded ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers was abysmal. They will, however, be a different team when they face India. In recent years, they have beaten England in consecutive home series and drawn series with Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Their bowlers outperform the visitors, especially when the numbers and conditions are considered.
Kemar Roach is one of the top five wicket-takers for the West Indies, and Shannon Gabriel is closing in on the top 10. Jason Holder has a ball-handling average of less than 30 and Alzarri Joseph is reaching the end of his career. If the conditions suit seam bowlers, these seamers may cause a lot of problems for the visitors.
3) India’s unsteady batting order
Yashasvi Jaiswal is slated to replace Cheteshwar Pujara at number three. The most seasoned batsmen are Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane, although they are past their peak and have not been at their prolific best recently. As the wicket-keeper batter, KS Bharat has not inspired confidence, while Shubman Gill has yet to master this format. It is a hitting unit with skill, but the results have not been there.
The West Indies bowling attack may pounce on these hitters and ask a lot of questions, perhaps giving Rohit and company a bad start to the World Test Championship cycle.
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