India already have a hefty 286-run lead in the first innings.
Despite ample time left in the game, India declared with an overnight score of 448/5 against the West Indies in the first Test in Ahmedabad. They were in a commanding position, with Ravindra Jadeja (104*) and Washington Sundar (9*) still unbeaten and could have given batters more game time ahead of the South Africa series.
The move to declare might be due to the weather, as Cyclone Shakthi has formed near the Gujarat coast, which may intensify by today (October 4), and the windspeed is expected to peak at 100-130 km/h. That might bring some rain and gusty winds to Ahmedabad by Day 4 of the game, and poor weather might interrupt the game’s proceedings.
Hence, India don’t want to take any risk and wrap up the match as soon as possible to get crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points. They already have a hefty 286-run lead in the first innings and will fancy their chances to bundle the West Indies within this score.
The bowlers have started on a high note by removing four batters inside 18 overs and remain well on top after batters tormented the opponent on Day 2. The West Indies don’t have a quality batting unit, and their inexperience and lack of skills are showing again in the second innings against a well-oiled Indian bowling attack.
In the current World Test Championship cycle, India are playing West Indies, South Africa, and Australia at home, and England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka away. They did well to earn 46.66 per cent of points on the England tour, but must maximise the West Indies series by earning all 24 points and solidify their position on the table.
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With South Africa and Australia touring, India won’t have any easy games, and they must prepare for a few hiccups by being as ruthless as possible against a relatively weak West Indies outfit. Then, an away rubber against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both of whom are terrific at home, won’t be easy for an inexperienced India side.
Most players in the current Indian side are yet to play in these two countries, and their inexperience can result in defeats in those series. The conditions won’t be similar to India, and they might take time to adjust, for which it’s hard to blame them, given they are still settling in.
A home series defeat against New Zealand last year was the biggest reason why they couldn’t qualify for the WTC 2025 final. Hence, India have made the right call by declaring early in the first Test, as it will allow them to get a result without any weather interruptions and make a positive start to the home season.
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