Ex-India bowler Varun Aaron has declared his desired playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies starting on Thursday October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the home series is Shubman Gill's debut set of home tests as India's full-time captain Aaron's selection indicated India's long-term plan and banking on tried and tested virtues in spin-friendly conditions.
The team for the series had been announced in the middle of India's Asia Cup 2025 adventure in the UAE with major omissions like Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant and Abhimanyu Easwaran missing the cut. Devdutt Padikkal and Axar Patel meanwhile returned to the red-ball setup presenting selectors with more options. But Aaron's XI did not feature Axar with the all-rounder being omitted in place of a three-pronged spin attack.
The Indian order remains similar to the England tour with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening alongside KL Rahul, with Sai Sudharsan and captain Gill coming in at four. Aaron supported stability in Indian batting with the recommendation that wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and Padikkal be used to strengthen the middle order. The mix supports experience and opportunities for youngsters as India aims to start the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship strongly.
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Aaron's bowling strategy was greatly inclined towards making plans for subcontinent conditions. He selected vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja along with Washington Sundar and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the three spinners. Kuldeep who sat out the entire England tour is considered a strong candidate in home Tests where wrist spin can provide the decisive impetus. To lead the pace attack Aaron included Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both tried-and-tested performers in Indian conditions.
Evaluating conditions and plans Aaron emphasized that India would not stray from their ideal recipe of developing spin-friendly pitches at home even after the shock series loss to New Zealand last year. India's 0-3 defeat in 2024 had terminated a long unbeaten run at home but Aaron is of the view that one reversal is not going to change the team's philosophy.
Varun Aaron’s playing XI against West Indies
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
