NEW DELHI: India's Test team has shown encouraging signs of a smooth transition in their series against the West Indies, culminating in a 1-0 series victory against their opponents. While the victory may not seem awe-inspiring, as the West Indies are ranked seven places below India in the official rankings, the team's performance and promising young talent have been widely praised.
Persistent rain in Port of Spain dampened the prospects of a 2-0 series sweep for India as no play was possible on the final day, leading to a stalemate between the two sides. However, India's new-look top order, an uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman, and a developing pace attack have left cricket enthusiasts hopeful for the future of the Test team.
Captain Rohit Sharma led the way in the reshaping of the team, forming a left-right opening combination with uncapped Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young Jaiswal announced his arrival with a stunning match-winning 171 on his Test debut in Roseau and followed it up with solid performances of 57 and 38 in the drawn Test in Port of Spain, making an immediate impact on the team.
Another significant change in the batting lineup saw Shubman Gill moved down to number three after veteran Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped. Gill, hailed as the future of Indian cricket, is yet to fully settle in his new position, but the team management has expressed patience and confidence in the young player's potential.
1/10:Day 5 washout sees India wrap up series win over West Indies
AP
2/10:5th successive series win
<p>India clinched a fifth consecutive series triumph in the West Indies on Monday when the second Test ended as a draw with no play possible because of rain on Day 5. </p>AFP
3/10:Day 4
<p>West Indies closed Day 4 at 76/2 having been set a daunting victory target of 365 to square the series at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. </p>AP
4/10:Rain plays spoilsport
<p>Early showers put paid to any prospect of play in the morning and when it rained with greater intensity in the afternoon, the umpires abandoned the day's play to end the Test match and the series.</p>AFP
5/10:Mohammed Siraj
<p>Mohammed Siraj, whose Test-best figures of 5/60 in the West Indies first innings opened the door to victory for India on the fourth morning, was named Man of the Match. </p>AFP
6/10:Rohit Sharma
<p>For Rohit Sharma, the disappointment of not being able to push for victory on the last day to earn a 2-0 sweep was tempered by the satisfaction of seeing this team succeed without key performers in the bowling department. </p>AP
7/10:Kraigg Brathwaite
<p>For Kraigg Brathwaite, the captain of a West Indies team that last defeated India in a Test match in May 2002, it was yet another case of fishing for positives in a sea of setbacks. </p>AFP
8/10:Record victory margin
<p>India won the first Test in Dominica by an innings and 141 runs - a record margin of success for them in the Caribbean - in three days. </p>AFP
9/10:1-0 series win
<p>India would be satisfied in some measure with the 1-0 series success, adding to previous triumphs in 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2019. </p>AFP
10/10:WTC cycle
<p>But Rohit and his men would be disappointed to miss out on the chance to earn maximum points at the start of the new cycle of the World Test Championship. </p>AFPIndia also faced the challenge of missing wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who has been out of action since a horrific car crash in December. However, the team discovered an exciting replica in stumper Ishan Kishan, known for his left-handed batting prowess and ability to hit sixes with ease. Kishan's glove work earned praise from his captain, while his impressive unbeaten 52 off just 34 balls in India's second innings at Port of Spain showcased his potential as a match-winner.
"You need guys like Ishan. We wanted quick runs, so we promoted him. He wasn't afraid, he was the first one to put his hand up," said Rohit Sharma, commending Kishan's performance.
The series against the West Indies also provided an opportunity for India's experienced players to showcase their skills. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli featured among the top run-scorers, with Jaiswal emerging as the leading scorer of the series.
Among the senior players, Ajinkya Rahane may have some concerns about his Test future as he managed just three and eight in his two outings in the West Indies.
(With inputs from Reuters)
