Shubman Gill Leads India’s Three-Spin Attack Against West Indies in Ahmedabad Test Opener
Nov, 16 2025
Shubman Gill stepped onto the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 2, 2025, not just as India’s new captain, but as the architect of a bold, spin-heavy strategy that stunned even seasoned observers. With West Indies captain Roston Chase opting to bat first after winning the toss, India’s decision to field three spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav—on a pitch already turning early was no accident. It was a statement. And it worked. By lunch, West Indies were 150/8, their top order crumbling under the weight of guile, not just pace. Three-spin attack wasn’t just a tactic; it was a declaration that India’s home dominance still runs deep, even without Rishabh Pant.
Why This XI? The Strategy Behind the Selection
The India squad announcement, made midway through the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, sparked debate. Karun Nair was dropped. Rishabh Pant was sidelined with injury. Axar Patel, a regular in the red-ball setup, was left out despite his all-round credentials. In came Devdutt Padikkal—fresh off a blistering domestic season—and Dhruv Jurel, the 21-year-old wicketkeeper whose calm behind the stumps earned him the nod over more experienced names. But the real surprise? Kuldeep Yadav’s return. After sitting out the England tour, he’d scalped 17 wickets in the Asia Cup, turning the tournament into a personal showcase. "He’s not just a spinner," said former India pacer Varun Aaron on ESPN Cricinfo. "He’s a wicket-taker on these surfaces. You don’t leave him out when the pitch is begging for it." The selection wasn’t just about form—it was about context. Ahmedabad’s pitch, baked by summer heat and churned by previous matches, offered turn from day one. The three-spin combo meant Bumrah and Siraj could operate in short, explosive bursts, targeting edges rather than grinding out overs. Gill, speaking after the toss, put it simply: "We’re not here to defend. We’re here to attack. And spin is our sharpest weapon."West Indies’ Struggles and the Rise of Khary Pierre
West Indies, meanwhile, fielded a side brimming with youth and uncertainty. Debutant fast bowler Khary Pierre, 22, was thrust into the lineup as the third seamer, with veteran Jomel Warrican named vice-captain. The top order, anchored by Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Brandon King, collapsed like a house of cards. Justin Greaves’ 32 was the highest score before he was clean bowled by a Bumrah yorker that left the crowd gasping. "That ball? It didn’t just hit the pad—it hit the soul," said a stunned commentator on NDTV Sports. "That’s what happens when you face the best in the world on a turning track." Despite the early collapse, West Indies showed fight. A 24-run stand between Jomel Warrican and Khary Pierre offered a glimmer of hope. But by stumps, India had all but sealed the upper hand. The visitors’ batting depth remains a question mark—only three players in the XI have more than 10 Test caps.
A New Era for Indian Cricket
This was Shubman Gill’s first home series as captain. No Pant. No Kohli. No Rohit. Just a 25-year-old from Gujarat, calm under pressure, leading a team reinventing itself. Ravindra Jadeja, vice-captain and veteran, provided the steadying hand. "He’s not loud," Jadeja said post-play. "But he sees everything. That’s what you need in this phase." The absence of Rishabh Pant was felt—not just for his batting, but for his energy. Yet, Dhruv Jurel handled the pressure with maturity, effecting two sharp dismissals. His keeping, smooth and precise, silenced critics who doubted his readiness. The team’s balance was textbook. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opened with aggression, Sai Sudharsan anchored the middle, and Padikkal’s gritty 47 in the second innings (on Day 2) proved his worth. This wasn’t just about winning—it was about building a new identity.Historical Context: India’s Dominance on Home Soil
The head-to-head record between India and West Indies in Test cricket is lopsided: 100 matches played, 30 wins for the Caribbean side, 23 for India, and 47 draws. But here’s the twist: in India, the numbers flip. Of the 34 Tests played on home soil, India has won 21, West Indies just 5. The last time West Indies won a Test in India? 2002. In 2023, they were bowled out for 72 in Hyderabad. This isn’t just home advantage—it’s psychological dominance. The Narendra Modi Stadium, with its 132,000-seat roar, has become India’s fortress. Since its opening in 2020, it’s hosted 12 Tests. India has won 10. The pitch? Always a spinner’s paradise.
What’s Next? The Series and the Squad
The second Test begins on October 9 in Delhi, where the pitch is expected to offer even more assistance to spin. With Kuldeep Yadav now back in form and Jadeja in peak condition, India may stick with the three-spinner model. But pressure is mounting on West Indies. If they lose this series 2-0, it’ll be their first whitewash in India since 1983. Meanwhile, the BCCI has quietly begun planning for the 2026 home season—four Tests, including a high-stakes clash with Australia. Gill’s leadership, and this team’s adaptability, will be tested again soon.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did India pick three spinners instead of four pacers?
India chose three spinners because the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch, after two weeks of preparation, showed clear signs of turn and variable bounce. With Bumrah and Siraj as the only two frontline pacers, the plan was to use them in short, high-impact spells while letting the spinners control the middle overs. This approach worked perfectly, as West Indies lost eight wickets to spin before lunch on Day 1. Four pacers would’ve risked overexposure on a wearing surface.
How does Kuldeep Yadav’s return impact India’s long-term Test plans?
Kuldeep’s 17 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 proved he’s still among the world’s most dangerous wrist spinners. His return gives India a reliable third spinner alongside Jadeja and Sundar, reducing reliance on all-rounders like Axar Patel. This trio could form the spine of India’s spin attack for the next three years, especially against touring teams on home pitches. His ability to extract turn from flat surfaces makes him invaluable in subcontinent conditions.
What’s the significance of Shubman Gill captaining India at home for the first time?
Gill becomes the first Indian captain since Virat Kohli in 2017 to lead a home Test series without the presence of Kohli, Pant, or Rohit Sharma. His calm demeanor and tactical awareness—especially in choosing to back spin over pace—signal a new leadership style: quiet, analytical, and deeply rooted in pitch conditions. If he wins this series, it’ll solidify his position as India’s long-term Test captain, not just a stopgap.
Why was Devdutt Padikkal selected over N Jagadeesan?
Padikkal’s recent domestic form—two centuries in his last three Ranji Trophy innings—outshone Jagadeesan’s inconsistent performances. More importantly, Padikkal’s ability to play long innings under pressure made him the preferred choice for the No. 4 slot, especially with KL Rahul and Jaiswal opening. Jagadeesan, while a flashy player, is still seen as more suited to white-ball formats. This selection reflects a shift toward patience over power.