India vs West Indies 2018: 3 Indian players who can make their Test debut in the series

After a long run of overseas Test series, India will finally play a full home series. India will host West Indies for 5 ODIs, 2 Tests and 3 T20Is. The series will kickstart with Test matches followed by the limited overs games.

Yesterday, India announced their squad for the Test series. The selection committee showed some of the senior players the doors. Few players were rested to keep them fresh ahead of the all-important Australia tour.

Based on the squad announced, there is a considerable probability that these three Indian players can make their Test debut for India in the upcoming 2-match Test series. Let us look at them one by one.

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#3 Shardul Thakur

Shardul can make his Test debut in the West Indies series

With the series being played in India’s familiar territory, India will most likely pick three spinners and two pace bowlers. With a majority of the senior fast bowlers rested, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav are the prime contenders for the fast bowling slot.

However, considering the recent performances of these pacers in the England tour, India can drop any one of them from the playing XI. As a result, either Shardul Thakur or Mohammed Siraj might find a place in the playing XI.

Since this is Siraj’s maiden Test call-up, he can wait for his turn. Hence, Thakur’s probability of making Test debut for India is very high after spending much time on the sidelines.

#2 Mayank Agarwal

The Indian selectors finally opened the door to Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal’s maiden Test call-up will be a massive sigh of relief for Indian cricket team fans. After a long run of a rich vein of form, Mayank was finally selected in the Indian Test squad. For two seasons, Mayank has continuously knocked on the doors of the selectors.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when the selectors picked Prithvi Shaw ahead of Agarwal for the England tour. However, Mayank’s consistent run of form finally forced the selectors to choose him for the West Indies series.

With the senior openers Vijay and Dhawan dropped from the team, Lokesh Rahul is the only senior opener in the squad. As a result, Agarwal can make his International debut for India in the upcoming series.

#1 Prithvi Shaw

Shaw is all set for his maiden International match

Prithvi Shaw, the latest young sensation from the famous Mumbai circuit retained his place in the Test squad for the series against West Indies. When he was selected in the England tour, it was evident that the selectors decided to fast-track him into the International arena at such a young age.

Even though he returned from the England tour without a debut cap, it is highly expected that he will receive his maiden cap in the West Indies series. Since Mayank Agarwal is also selected in the squad, there can be a toss-up between the two in deciding the opening partner for Rahul.

If the experience is considered as a parameter, then Mayank will get the nod. Else, if the call-up order is a criterion, then Shaw will get the nod. Since this is a 2-match Test series, the selectors can pick anyone in the first Test and the other in the second Test. In this way, they both can earn their first caps.

There is also a probability of both of them opening the batting together with Rahul either moving down the order or sitting out.