Players To Watch Out For In West Indies: India will enter the upcoming two-match home Test series as strong favorites against a West Indies team still reeling from their dramatic collapse for 27 all out in Kingston the second-lowest score in men’s Test cricket history.
In turn, the West Indies selectors have made wholesale changes, leaving out veteran Kraigg Brathwaite and giving left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie a break.
Though experienced names such as Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, and Jayden Seales provide some know-how, it is the unknown five who may shock India and bring new life into the Caribbean team.
Players To Watch Out For In West Indies before the IND vs WI Test
1. Alick Athanaze – The Caribbean Cricket Rising Star
One of the most exciting batters in the West Indies side, Alick Athanaze, is a 26-year-old left-hander who has already impressed legends such as Brian Lara, Ian Bishop, and even India’s R Ashwin.
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Although he has yet to translate starts into centuries (four fifties in 25 Test innings), Athanaze’s batting against spin and his promise mean he is a long-term one in all forms. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup with 418 runs, even going past Shubman Gill. His bold 90 in the Bangladesh game last year showed his ease against quality spin a commodity that will be crucial in Indian conditions.
2. Jomel Warrican – The Spin Spearhead and Vice-Captain
A crafty left-arm orthodox spinner, Jomel Warrican is currently West Indies’ first-choice spinner in Test cricket. After claiming nine wickets in Multan to secure West Indies’ first Test win in Pakistan in 34 years, he was rightly named Player of the Match. He finished the series with 19 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.
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In India, Warrican will have to do a lot of work, turning tracks with his precision and subtle adaptation. He also provides some grit with the bat and captaincy as the vice-captain of the Tests.
3. Khary Pierre – The Late Bloomer Ready for a Debut
Scheduled to make his debut in the longest format at 34, Khary Pierre will be the West Indies’ second specialist bowler for India. Though a late addition to Test cricket, Pierre arrives with impressive recent form he claimed 41 wickets in 11 innings at a rate of 13.56 in the domestic competition.
Famed for accuracy over sharp turn, Pierre is good at settling batsmen with tight lines and subtle variations in pace. His fielding athleticism and CPL experience playing for Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Kings lend additional worth.
4. Brandon King – The Aggressive Opener with a Point to Prove
A T20 veteran and CPL batting force, Brandon King is now being asked to try his hand with red-ball cricket. Though his Test experience is limited (only three matches), he can be expected to be sent in to bat at the opening position along with Tagenarine Chanderpaul with Brathwaite being omitted.
King’s aggression as an attacking batsman and his success against pace turn him into a fear factor if he can withstand India’s spinners. A good performance in India would also restore his Test credentials and increase his IPL worth.
5. Justin Greaves – The Balance Option as an All-Rounder
With Jason Holder omitted from the Tests, Justin Greaves takes up the role of seam-bowling allrounder. Following his gritty 33 in Australia at the Gabba and a follow-up maiden Test century against Bangladesh, Greaves has demonstrated sparks of his all-round worth.
Though he hasn’t gone past 40 in his recent 13 innings, his capability to contribute with key wickets and control with the ball is such that he can prove a useful third seamer particularly if West Indies choose to field a spin-oriented attack in Indian conditions. He will need to lose some rust, however, having sat out CPL 2025 with an injury.
A New-Look West Indies Ready for a Fresh Challenge
This new-look West Indies team may not have the consistency of previous Caribbean titans, but they arrive in India with new faces and new determination. From batting sensation Alick Athanaze to Warrican and Pierre, whose spin will be a threat, the names to watch from West Indies could determine if this team can emerge from the ruins of their Kingston debacle.
Even though India has the edge, anticipate these unknown names to fight tooth and nail and perhaps pull off a few surprises in the subcontinent.
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