SWOT Analysis of Team India Test Squad against West Indies

The Test series between India and the West Indies has a rich history dating back to 1948. It represents a clash between two cricketing nations with distinct cricketing cultures and legacies. The Test series between India and the West Indies often showcases a battle for cricketing supremacy. Both teams have had periods of dominance in Test cricket. 

India, with its strong batting lineup and world-class spinners, has been a force to reckon with in recent years, while the West Indies, with their fast bowling legacy, have a storied history in the format. 

Team India will be returning to the red-ball format after witnessing their defeat against Australia in the final game of the World Test Championship. This was India’s second appearance in the WTC Final, and the team failed for the second consecutive time. 

After the loss, team India faced harsh criticism regarding their overall performance and some decisions made before the start of the match. Rohit Sharma and his company completely failed to dominate the final game from the first ball, and the Aussies showcased their class against their arch-rivals.

In this article, we have conducted a detailed SWOT Analysis of the team the BCCI has announced for the tour to West Indies.

Strengths

For the first time, it is evident with Team India that their strength lies in the middle-order batting. With Ajinkya Rahane showing positive signs and Ravindra Jadeja being the scorer in the lower order, Team India won’t be worried about scoring runs under pressure. Virat Kohli failed to play an impactful inning in the final game of the WTC, but he is still in form and will be playing a solid inning at number 4 against the West Indies bowling attack.

Rahane will be in the spotlight because of his recent performance in the final match against the Australian attack and the way he played in the IPL. Ajinkya was seen maintaining his calm after crucial moments during the final, but he was unable to get any support from the other end.

Weaknesses

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah is clearly hurting the bowling attack of Team India. Except for Mohammad Shami, no other bowler has been consistent with the line and length. Team India doesn’t have a dependable name in their bowling section who can deliver, pick wickets, and give the team timely breakthroughs. Expectations will be high from Ravichandran Ashwin, but his morale will be low because he was not selected to play in the WTC final.

Opportunities

BCCI and the selection committee have given a chance to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mukesh Kumar for the upcoming West Indies tour. Gaikwad displayed his talent in the IPL while playing for the Chennai Super Kings, but this will be the first time he will be playing the longest format of cricket. Considering his recent performances, Gaikwad’s presence will be an added advantage because he carries an average of 40.43 in first-class cricket. The addition of Mukesh Kumar has come out as a breath of fresh air for Team India. The reason for his selection was his performance during IPL 2023, and his inclusion in the playing XI will definitely give an extra edge to India’s pace department.

Threats

The biggest threat to Team India is the declining form of skipper Rohit Sharma. He has failed to play a stable inning in the recent matches, and the pressure of captaincy is clearly visible. After his dismissal, the pressure of scoring runs falls on Shubman Gill, and during the WTC final, Gill also failed to impress. If the duo fails to perform in front of the West Indies, the whole team will be in big trouble.