India vs West Indies Tests: Watch out for these 3 Indian players | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After losing to Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England, Team India is now all geared up for their next assignment. In the Caribbean island, Rohit Sharma and co. will be taking on the West Indies who were once a formidable outfit. Though the Windies are not the world beaters they once were and are currently facing backlash for failing to qualify for the ICC ODI World Cup, in their own den they can still put up a tough fight against the visitors.
The Indian squad for the Tests in the Caribbean also features a few young guns, who will be itching to prove they belong on the big stage.
TimesofIndia.com here takes a look at the three Indian cricketers who you need to watch out for in the upcoming two-Test series, starting July 12:
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Left hand batter – Slotted to play at Number 3)

Yashasvi Jaiswal, an extremely promising cricketer, has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide with his talent and potential which he showcased again in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).
Playing for Rajasthan Royals, the 21-year-old batter scored 625 runs in 14 matches averaging at 48.08, that included five half-centuries and one century in the 2023 season of the cash-rich league.
The southpaw, who was the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL 2023, not only scored the most runs by an uncapped player in an IPL season but also hit the fastest fifty in the history of the IPL.
Yashasvi has shown steady progress in his game, technique and temperament since his u-19 days. He has multiple big scores, including double centuries, in domestic cricket – spread across Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and the Irani Cup.
Hailing from a humble background, he overcame numerous challenges to make his mark in the sport. Yashasvi’s elegant batting technique, accompanied by his ability to score big runs, has earned him accolades and comparisons to cricketing greats.
Yashasvi, who was also one of India’s stand-by players in the WTC Final 2023, got his maiden call-up in India’s squad and is tipped to make his Test debut during the Caribbean tour, playing at Number 3 – a slot vacated by Cheteshwar Pujara.
Though Yashasvi is an opening batter, the team management is seeing him as India’s long term Number 3.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Right hand batter)

Another very talented batter, who found his name in both the Test and ODI squads for this tour of the Caribbean is Ruturaj Gaikwad
Gaikwad had a terrific season while opening for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning IPL 2023 campaign. He scored 590 runs in 16 matches in the 16th edition of the league averaging 42.14 at a strike rate of 147.50.
A stylish right-handed batter known for his fluent stroke play and impeccable timing, Gaikwad was also one of India’s stand-by players in the WTC Final but opted out, since he was getting married.
Gaikwad, despite his young age, has earned widespread acclaim from cricketing experts for his composure and maturity on the field. There is a certain school of thought that he is being groomed by CSK to take over from MS Dhoni as the next CSK captain. He has displayed a unique blend of aggressive stroke play and the ability to anchor an innings when the situation demands.
It will be interesting to see which position Gaikwad, who has played 1 ODI and 9 T20Is for India till date and earned his maiden Test call up for this tour, plays in if he is picked in the playing XI.
Mukesh Kumar (Right arm medium pacer)

Mukesh’s journey to his maiden Test call-up has been marked by perseverance and dedication. He made his first-class debut for Bengal in 2015 and has since toiled relentlessly in the domestic circuit, earning recognition for his ability to bowl long untiring spells while executing disciplined line and length bowling.
His outstanding record in the red-ball format speaks volumes about his skills as a bowler. With 149 wickets to his name at an impressive average of 21.55, Mukesh has demonstrated consistent excellence. Notably, he has registered six five-wicket hauls.
He also accompanied Team India during the WTC Final as a net bowler.
He has previously been a part of India’s squad for ODIs vs South Africa and T20Is vs Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, but didn’t make the playing XI cut.
The spotlight will be firmly fixed on the 29-year-old right-arm seamer as he stands on the brink of his Test debut in the Caribbean.
Mukesh’s exceptional talent to consistently find the perfect lengths and trouble batters with his impressive swing and seam bowling could make him an invaluable asset.
India’s pace arsenal for the Tests include – Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Jayadev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur and Mukesh Kumar. With this tour being seen as one where the team management wants to try out players they have in their scheme of things as long-term players, Mukesh could well get the playing XI nod.