WI vs IND: Wasim Jaffer picks his India XI for opening Test in Dominica

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that the Indian team should back Ishan Kishan over KS Bharat in the opening Test against the West Indies at Windsor Park in Dominica. Notably, he was of the same opinion before the World Test Championship finale against Australia but the team management showed its faith in Bharat.

However, the stumper-batter couldn’t make the most of the opportunity. Thus, Jaffer believes it to be the ideal time for Ishan to make his red-ball debut as he can play an aggressive brand of cricket with the willow in hand, just like Rishabh Pant.

The 45-year-old also expects Mukesh Kumar to make his debut in the opening Test. He backed Javdev Unadkat to replace Mohammed Shami, who has been rested for the series. On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to make his return while Yashasvi Jaiswal will be seen opening with Rohit Sharma.

“Rohit (c), Jaiswal, Gill, Kohli, Ajinkya, Ishan (wk), Jadeja, Ashwin, Unadkat, Siraj, Mukesh,” Jaffer tweeted on matchday morning.

My India XI for first Test:

1. Rohit (c)
2. Jaiswal
3. Gill
4. Kohli
5. Ajinkya
6. Ishan (wk)
7. Jadeja
8. Ashwin
9. Unadkat
10. Siraj
11. Mukesh

What's yours? #WIvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 12, 2023

Rohit confirms India’s opening combination

India skipper Rohit Sharma has confirmed that he will be opening with youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test. Shubman Gill, who has been Rohit’s opening partner in the last few series, will be seen playing at number three, as Cheteshwar Pujara has been dropped from the squad.

“Gill will play at number 3 because Gill himself wants to play at number 3. He discussed with Rahul (Dravid) that I have played all my cricket at 3 and 4. I think I can do better for my team if I bat at number 3. And it is good for us too because it becomes an opening combination of left and right. 

"So I think we will try to do this and hopefully this will go on for a long time. Because we have been looking for a left-hander for many years. So now that we have got that left-hander, let's hope he performs well for the team. And he can really make that spot his own,” Rohit was quoted as saying by ICC.