The 5-day camp in Barbados is over. India Cricket Team is off to Dominica to begin final preparations for the IND vs WI 1st Test at Windsor Park starting July 12. More than ironing out chinks in the armour, the Barbados camp was mainly to assess the youngsters and give some practice to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and others. India stars were on a month-long vacation after the WTC Final heartbreak.
Yashasvi Jaiswal SUPER HIT
So far, the gamble to include Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Test squad has paid off. He scored a fine 54 off 76 balls in the two-day practice game. With that, he has nailed the opening spot.
Jaiswal has managed to impress Rahul Dravid with his skills at the nets sessions as well as the practice game. With Dravid paying close attention to Jaiswal at practice, the India head coach was heard saying, “Good leave”. The youngster was facing Jaydev Unadkat at the nets. It was an outswinger that Jaiswal let leave without taking any aggressive approach.
Also Read: Jaiswal nails opening slot, Dravid-Rohit mull Shubman at No 3 in 1st Test
With Dukes set to be the ball India will play with once again, Jaiswal will be mindful of those swinging deliveries initially. While Windsor Park’s pitch is likely to be a dry surface, overhead conditions could make the ball swing a bit more than usual.
With Shubman Gill set for No 3 role to cover for dropped Cheteshwar Pujara, India will have a new opener in Tests at least for the two-match series. Jaiswal is set to make his Test debut.
Focus on Virat Kohli & Rohit
Both batting coach Vikram Rathour, as well as Rahul Dravid, closely observed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The two Indian superstars have had ups and downs in Tests of late. There are already talks of whether India should build a young Test team, forcing the senior players into transition. But that plan is currently on hold.
Kohli despite his lacklustre performances in Tests over the last three years will aim to return to form against a weaker West Indies bowling line-up. Rohit similarly is also running against time. If he decides to bid goodbye to Test cricket after ODI World Cup, the two-match Test series could very well be his last. With dwindling form, the series is crucial for Rohit to get his form back.
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