India eye clean sweep, Bumrah likely to be rested

New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) There’s a certain rhythm to India’s cricket at home these days, a rhythm that begins with composed openers and crescendos in the spin department, with everything in between falling seamlessly into place. As the second and final Test against the West Indies begins on Friday, October 10, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Shubman Gill’s men will look to close out a perfect series — calm, clinical, and commanding.

The hosts brushed aside the visitors in Ahmedabad with a performance that seemed preordained. It took less than three days, three centuries, and a disciplined bowling effort to remind everyone why India remains near-unbeatable on home soil. KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja all joined the century-makers’ club, each with a different rhythm but the same authority, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah tore through the West Indies order with skill and precision.

This time, though, Bumrah is expected to sit out, given India’s heavy schedule ahead. Prasidh Krishna will likely step in, bringing youthful energy and bounce to accompany Siraj with the new ball. Behind them stands the trusted spin trio of Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav — an ensemble that has made visiting teams feel as if they’re batting on a minefield by Day 3. Add Washington Sundar to the mix, and India’s depth looks almost unfair.

For the West Indies, there’s pride to play for, though their recent record offers little comfort. They haven’t won a Test in India since 2002 and haven’t managed to stretch India beyond four days in recent encounters. Captain Roston Chase will need to inspire more than just resolve. The opening pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell must find a way to weather the early storm, while Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze will have to shoulder responsibility in the middle order.

The Delhi pitch, true to reputation, will start friendly for batters before steadily turning into a spinners’ ally. Teams batting first have historically fared better here, winning six of the last ten Tests, and the toss could dictate the story once again. The weather, meanwhile, promises clear skies and warm afternoons — ideal conditions for cricket and for India’s march toward a series sweep.
There’s a quiet inevitability about this Indian team — a sense that even when the opposition believes they’re in the contest, India are already two steps ahead. And as commentators might say with a wry smile, “They’re not just playing good cricket — they’re playing it beautifully.”\

India to win.

India Predicted Playing XI:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

West Indies Predicted Playing XI:

Roston Chase (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales