Indian Cricket Team is set to clash against West Indies from 12th July for 2 Test matches as a part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli who will have to lead the batting lineup in the absence of (*dropped) Cheteshwar Pujara. Virat Kohli would be keen to prove a point that he is not finished yet after a topsy-turvy WTC 2021-23 final against Australia.
In the previous assignment, the side led by Rohit Sharma suffered a defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final 2023 against Australia. Since then, the Indian players were given a month-long break before they reunited in Barbados ahead of the West Indies tour.
Virat Kohli recalls an incident featuring Rahul Dravid
Virat Kohli recently shared a a heartfelt post for Team India coach Rahul Dravid days ahead of the first Test against the West Indies, recalling the time when they shared the field together in 2011, at the same venue.
The only two guys part of the last test we played at Dominica in 2011. Never imagined the journey would bring us back here in different capacities. Highly grateful. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zz2HD8nkES
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 9, 2023
“The only two guys part of the last Test we played at Dominica in 2011. Never imagined the journey would bring us back here in different capacities. Highly grateful,” wrote Virat Kohli in the caption of his post with Dravid.
Intriguing Contest on Cards
India visited the Caribbean islands in 2011 for a solitary T20I match, followed by five ODIs and three Test matches. Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid shared the field together in the third Test at Roseau which eventually ended in a draw and the Men in Blue under leadership of MS Dhoni ,went on to win the series having won the first Test, while the second game had also been drawn. Virat Kohli made his test debut in this series, while Rahul Dravid played his last Test series in West Indies.
With Asia Cup and ICC ODI World Cup also set to be played after Caribbean tour this year , it will be a busy schedule for Men in Blue, however the players are looking in good spirits after a month break and expected to begin the WTC cycle 2023-25 on a winning note.
With focus on WC 2023, India are expected to continue their dominance in white ball cricket. On other hand, West Indies who failed to qualify for ICC World Cup 2023 will expect to make a strong comeback. Rohit Sharma is set to lead Indian Test and ODI team, while Hardik Pandya is set to lead young T20 team.