The rivalry between India and West Indies is one of the most exciting in the cricket world. As anticipation for the upcoming two-match Test series reached its peak, the Caribbean Cricket Board (CWI) made a surprising decision. They announced a 15-member squad for the historic series in India, shocking the cricketing community. The biggest surprise is the exclusion of experienced opener and former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, with the leadership handed over to all-rounder Roston Chase(C). Will this change turn the tide for West Indies, or will it spark a new controversy? The answer lies in their performance in the coming days.
Why Was Brathwaite Dropped?
Kraigg Brathwaite has been a familiar face in West Indies cricket, handling the team’s opening duties for many years. However, his form has been on a consistent decline recently. He completely failed to perform with the bat in the last few series. The selectors believe it will be difficult for him to bounce back in the challenging Indian conditions. Thus, they made this bold decision with the future in mind.
Roston Chase: The New Captain
In Brathwaite’s absence, the captaincy has been given to the experienced all-rounder Roston Chase(C). Indian pitches are generally spin-friendly, and Chase is an effective off-spinner. His leadership is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team, and his spin bowling could play a crucial role on the Indian pitches. He will be supported by fellow spinner Jumel Warrican(WK) as his vice-captain.
New Faces and Comeback Stories
West Indies has made a few changes to strengthen their batting lineup for this series. The key changes in the squad are:
- Khary Pierre’s Debut: Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has earned his maiden Test call-up after his outstanding performance in domestic cricket. His inclusion strengthens West Indies’ spin attack. It is hoped that he will be a key factor in the Indian conditions.
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze Return: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the son of the legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and young batsman Alick Athanaze have returned to the squad after a long time. Both have been brought back for their ability to handle spin on Indian pitches.
West Indies Squad: At a Glance
- Captain(C): Roston Chase
- Vice-Captain (VC): Jumel Warrican
- Batsmen: Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King
- Bowlers: Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
Complete West Indies Squad
- Roston Chase (C)
- Jumel Warrican (VC)
- Kevlon Anderson
- Alick Athanaze
- John Campbell
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Justin Greaves
- Shai Hope (WK)
- Tevin Imlach (WK)
- Alzarri Joseph
- Shamar Joseph
- Brandon King
- Anderson Phillip
- Khary Pierre
- Jayden Seales
Series Schedule:
- 1st Test: October 2-6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The match will start at 9:30 AM IST.
- 2nd Test: October 10-14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The match will start at 9:30 AM IST.
Facing a strong Indian team led by Rohit Sharma in their home conditions will be a major challenge for the Caribbean side. Cricket fans are eager to see how this new-look team performs under Roston Chase’s(C)leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Kraigg Brathwaite dropped from the squad?
Kraigg Brathwaite was dropped due to his recent poor form. The selectors wanted to give an opportunity to young and performing players.
What role can the new captain Roston Chase play?
Roston Chase(C) is not just a captain but also an effective all-rounder. His off-spin bowling could be crucial for the team on the spin-friendly pitches of India.
Will the matches of this series be available on TV or mobile?
Yes, the matches of this series will be broadcast live on Sports channels on TV and on the Jio Hotstar app on mobile.
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