India vs West Indies 1st Test: India's Predicted Playing XI

After registering convincing series victories in T20Is and ODIs, Team India will now cross swords with West Indies in the game's longest format. Set to begin in Antigua on 22 August, the two-match Test series will mark India's first challenge in the World Test Championship.

While the visitors haven't lost a Test in the Caribbean in this decade, they would vary of the fact that the Windies can't be taken for granted in the whites. The Jason Holder-led side recently put up a spirited show to topple a formidable England unit in their home Test series.

Looking to avenge the losses in the limited overs, West Indies are expected to sport a strong side to throw a stiff challenge to the Indians. The Indians thus would be keen on fielding their best XI to come on top in the first Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The team balance has been a matter of discussion with the unavailability of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. With Mayank Agarwal making an impressive debut in Australia, the team management is not likely to tinker with his place in the side. Karnataka batsman KL Rahul is expected to be given a nod ahead of Hanuma Vihari for the second opener's slot.

The middle order is likely to be shouldered by the quartet of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma while Rishabh Pant might be picked over Wriddhiman Saha as the team's wicket-keeper.

The spinner's place could be a toss-up between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The pace pack, on the other hand, is likely to be formed by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma.

India Predicted XI:

Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja/Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah