Young guns Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal made their test debuts for the Indian team against West Indies in the first game of the tour at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica.
Jaiswal impressed in the 2023 IPL season as well as his phenomenal numbers in domestic cricket also helped his cause. Kishan, on the other hand, had the chance ahead of KS Bharat who failed to score with his bat for India in the last ten innings he played. (MS Dhoni to Adam Gilchrist: Wicketkeeper batsmen with most runs in Test cricket – in photos)
However, there was one name that fans expected to see in the lineup and the fact that he missed the first game didn’t sit well with netizens. Social media were left disappointed after Ruturaj Gaikwad missed the first test against West Indies.
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Check out the mixed reactions here:
I think India should have chosen Ruturaj Gaikwad over Shardul thakur if they really wanted to strengthen their batting roster as they preferred shardul over specialist bowler. — VIRAT KOHLI FAN (@ImVkohilll) July 12, 2023
Ruturaj Gaikwad pic.twitter.com/8WrH7cvopT— dashariv (@dashariv) July 12, 2023
It’s hard to be Ruturaj Gaikwad
Gill fans hate him.
Some Rohit fans hate him.
70-80% of Virat fans hate him.
KKR fans hate him.
Some RR fans hate it.
Some GG fans hate it.
Some DC fans hate it.
Etc.All these hates and trolls because he is a CSK player.pic.twitter.com/kbv9vCmHXk— Zyan (@WeRCricketer) July 12, 2023
Jaiswal was given Test Cap by Rohit so his Testing career would be
Ishan received a test cap from Virat
So unfortunately his test career would beBad luck Ishan#IndianCricket—Raj Singh (@45264rs) July 12, 2023
Jaiswal’s first test cap, I’ll be sitting when he comes to bat – (@musabavarian) July 12, 2023
#saabjawaabdenge @JioCinema @cricketaakash @rpsingh aaplog ko nahi laagta as captain rohit calm down rakhte hai youth ko jisse aaj jaiswal ko cap mila rohit sir se toh wo 100 kar sakte hai trust help kregi isse
— @imsajal (@sajalsinha4) July 12, 2023
Coming to the game, West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and opted to beat India in the first Test of the two-game series. The match is played in Dominica. Brathwaite said during the draw that the team will work on consistency in performance.
“The surface is usually dry, but there is moisture in the first hour. We had a ten-day camp in Antigua. Lara was there, it was good for our young hitters. we need consistency and I want the boys to be positive… Alick Athanaze will make his debut.
The West Indies have finished 8th in the last two WTC cycles.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said the team played cricket regularly and qualified for two WTC finals.
“We started with Barbados, played a practice match there. We had a good preparation here although the rain was a bit of a spoilsport. (Lessons from the previous WTC cycle) The final of the championship is still a few years away. We’ve played consistent cricket that’s why we’ve played in two finals. It’s something we can take forward.
“A lot of new guys in the team, so hopefully we can get a good perspective from the last two cycles. This cycle won’t be any different. (Rookies) I just want them to have fun. They’ll have nerves but it’s our responsibility to make sure they enjoy it. These guys have potential and I hope we can give them all the comfort and happiness they need on the pitch.”