- India lead the two-match Test series 1-0 after a three-day win in Ahmedabad.
- The Delhi Test is the first since Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket.
- Rohit Sharma and R. Ashwin have also retired from the longest format this year.
- Shubman Gill will captain India in the upcoming ODI series in Australia.
The West Indies hope to bounce back amid criticism over poor form and lack of passion. Nine months ago, fans packed the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi just to see Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy comeback. Over 12,000 people turned up early, forcing organizers to open extra gates and tighten security.
This week, the scene is completely different. When India plays the West Indies in the second and final Test starting Friday (10), the stands are expected to be half-empty. With Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin now retired from Test cricket, and India already dominating the series, there isn't much excitement among fans.
India had crushed West Indies in the first Test in Ahmedabad, winning by an innings in under three days. The one-sided result, combined with India's recent T20 Asia Cup victory, has left little suspense for this match.
Skipper Shubman Gill, however, said the team's focus won't drop. “It doesn’t matter who we play. We want to maintain our intensity and keep winning,” he told reporters. Gill will also lead India’s ODI squad in Australia next week.
The pitch at Kotla is expected to help batters in the first two days before spinners like Jadeja and Washington Sundar come into play. Recent rain in Delhi has raised some doubts, but the weather forecast suggests the match will continue without major disruptions.
West Indies captain Roston Chase urged his team to fight harder after poor performances in recent months. Former Caribbean greats have criticized the team's lack of passion and the board's financial troubles. A strong start in Delhi could bring them some relief and make this test a bit more competitive.
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