When Shubman Gill, captain of India leads his side onto a green‑topped wicket at the India vs West Indies Test, the stakes feel higher than a typical opening‑day drama. The first Test kicks off on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. IST inside the sprawling Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A slow, flat surface has been Ahmedabad’s hallmark, but reports say a green‑capped pitch will be laid, turning the match into a pacer’s playground and giving bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj a chance to shine.
Why This Match Matters
India just wrapped up a triumphant Asia Cup 2025 win over Pakistan, a victory that rekindled confidence after a bruising whitewash by New Zealand last year. Gill, who amassed over 700 runs in five Tests during a nail‑biting 2‑2 draw with England, now has the chance to channel that form into home conditions. The series also offers a crucial momentum builder ahead of the year‑end tour of England. For the West Indies, it’s a chance to erase the sting of a 3‑0 loss to Australia and prove the resurgence they showed in Pakistan last year.
Full Squad and Predicted XI
Below is the official squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI):
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice‑captain: Ravindra Jadeja
- Openers: KL Rahul & Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Middle order: Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, N. Jagadeesan (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- All‑rounders: Axax Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
- Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
- Seamer: Nitish Kumar Reddy
The predicted playing XI for India’s opening Test leans heavily on experience and pace:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Prasidh Krishna
Pitch Forecast and Tactical Angles
Historically, the Narendra Modi Stadium yields a high‑scoring, flat pitch. This time, though, a "green top" is being prepared, translating to extra seam and swing. The bowler‑friendly rating sits at roughly 32%, with an expected average innings total near 319 runs – a number that leans toward low‑scoring contests.
For fantasy players, Ravindra Jadeja is a golden ticket. He’s already the third‑highest run‑scorer for India this year (555 runs at 69.37) and has chipped in with seven wickets. Shubman Gill is another must‑pick, riding 787 runs in 12 innings and four centuries.
West Indies: Form, Squad and Challenges
The visitors arrive bruised after a 3‑0 drubbing by Australia on home soil. Yet, they carry the memory of a historic win in Pakistan – their first Test victory there in 34 years – which shows they can turn a corner.
Key names for the Windies include Jermaine Blackwood (batting anchor) and speedster Alzarri Joseph. However, players like Alick Athanaze (only 67 runs in two Tests) and debutant Justin Greaves are flagged as risky fantasy picks.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The toss went to the hosts, and India elected to bowl first – a decision that underscores confidence in their pace attack on the green surface. The match will be televised live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
Key Facts
- Start date:
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- India’s Test record vs West Indies: 23 wins, 30 losses, 47 draws in 100 matches
- Expected pitch type: Green‑capped, bowler‑friendly (32% rating)
- Top fantasy picks: Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah
Implications for Both Teams
For India, a dominant win would cement their resurgence after a turbulent 2024‑25 season and set a psychological edge before the England tour. A shaky start could revive doubts about their home dominance, especially if the green pitch proves tougher than anticipated.
West Indies will need to adapt quickly, using any seam movement to offset the loss of early wickets. Success could restore confidence and provide momentum for the upcoming series against Bangladesh later this year.
What Comes Next?
After the opening Test, a second encounter follows a week later at the same venue. Both sides will tweak their line‑ups based on the first‑innings performances. Meanwhile, the BCCI will likely keep an eye on emerging talent from the IPL who could be thrust into the Test arena.
Historical Context
The India‑West Indies rivalry dates back to the 1970s, when the Caribbean side dominated the subcontinent with fire‑brand pace. India turned the tables in the 1990s, highlighted by a 1996 win at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Over the last decade, the series has been relatively even, with India pulling ahead in the 2010s thanks to an expanding batting depth.
One recurring theme is the impact of pitch conditions. When the Wankhede hosted a green top in 2002, India’s spinners struggled, and the Windies clinched a surprise victory. The current green‑top experiment at Ahmedabad could echo that storyline, testing India’s seamers more than their spin quartet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the green‑top pitch affect India's batting lineup?
The extra seam and swing will likely challenge the openers, especially KL Rahul, whose home record on fast tracks is modest. Players like Shubman Gill, who thrives against movement, and the technically sound Yashasvi Jaiswal could mitigate the threat, but early wickets are expected.
Which West Indian players have the best chance of succeeding on a bowler‑friendly surface?
All‑rounder Jermaine Blackwood’s defensive technique and the pace of Alzarri Joseph give the Windies a fighting chance. If the middle order can withstand the early onslaught, a strategic counter‑attack from the lower order could be decisive.
What are the key fantasy picks for this match?
Ravindra Jadeja stands out as an all‑rounder with high run‑scoring and wicket‑taking potential. Jasprit Bumrah’s death‑overs expertise and Shubman Gill’s form also make them premium selections. West Indies’ Alick Athanaze should be avoided due to limited recent impact.
When and where can I watch the match?
The game starts at 9:30 p.m. IST on October 2, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
What does a win mean for India’s upcoming England tour?
A convincing victory would boost confidence in India’s seam attack ahead of England’s seamer‑friendly conditions. It would also reinforce Gill’s leadership, signalling that the side can adapt quickly to varying pitches.