Five Promising Players in Contention for India’s West Indies Tour

India’s rivalry with the West Indies has been intense and fiercely competitive. While the West Indies dominated world cricket in the 1970s and 1980s, boasting formidable players like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, and Malcolm Marshall, both teams have struggled to achieve significant victories in recent ICC tournaments. 

As India prepares to embark on a tour to the West Indies after their loss against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, there are several talented players who might receive their maiden cap for Team India. Here are five promising new faces to watch out for.

1) Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal rose to prominence with an outstanding performance in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Jaiswal amassed 625 runs in 14 matches, boasting an impressive average of 48.08 and a striking strike rate of 163.61. Throughout the tournament, he recorded one century and five half-centuries, showcasing his immense potential.

Jaiswal’s temperament sets him apart, displaying maturity and composure beyond his years. Following his remarkable IPL 2023 campaign, Jaiswal has caught the attention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selection committee. His inclusion in the squad for the West Indies tour is highly anticipated.

2) Mukesh Sharma

Mukesh Sharma, a pace bowler hailing from the Delhi Capitals, has consistently delivered impressive performances in domestic cricket. Although he was part of the Indian squad against South Africa in September 2022, he did not have an opportunity to showcase his skills on the field. Sharma was also named as a reserve player for the WTC final, highlighting his potential value to the team.

Given India’s struggles in the pace attack, the BCCI could turn to Mukesh Sharma as a fresh and promising option for the West Indies tour. His inclusion would add depth and variety to the bowling lineup.

3) Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to score quick runs. He has consistently performed at the domestic level, and his notable displays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023 garnered attention.

Singh’s dynamic approach to batting makes him a valuable asset, particularly in the limited-overs format. The BCCI might consider giving him an opportunity to showcase his talent against the West Indies. A strong performance on this tour could open doors for Singh to represent India in upcoming tournaments such as the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup in 2023.

4) Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma, the wicket-keeper batsman for the Punjab Kings, has long been on the selectors’ radar. Following KL Rahul’s departure from the team, Jitesh assumed the responsibilities admirably. In January 2023, he received his maiden call-up to the Indian squad for the series against Sri Lanka, although he did not get a chance to feature in any matches.

With consistent performances and a strong showing in IPL 2023, Jitesh Sharma remains a compelling contender for the West Indies tour. The BCCI recognizes his potential and may reward him with an opportunity to represent his country.

5) Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan’s performances in Indian domestic cricket have garnered attention and generated significant buzz. With an impressive record of 3,175 runs in 34 first-class matches, boasting an average of 77.43, Sarfaraz has long been knocking on the doors of the selectors.

Although he missed out on selection during the WTC 2021-23 cycle, the West Indies tour presents a crucial opportunity for Sarfaraz Khan to kickstart his journey with the senior team. His consistent performance and determination make him a compelling candidate for inclusion in the squad.

As India gears up for the West Indies tour, these five new faces hold the potential to make a significant impact. Their inclusion would inject fresh talent and add depth to the Indian squad. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the final team lineup, as these young players vie for their maiden caps on the international stage.