Overview

• India trained in Ahmedabad two days after the Asia Cup win, with Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel resting from the first session for workload management.
• Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar said Bumrah is available and keen to play both Tests, but team management is expected to decide close to the first Test.
• Final XI discussions include B Sai Sudharsan versus Devdutt Padikkal for No. 3 and Axar Patel versus Nitish Kumar Reddy for the all‑round slot depending on the pitch.
• Gautam Gambhir is leading preparations as India shape their spin mix without R. Ashwin, weighing options among Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav.
• Weakened West Indies have lost pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, calling up uncapped Johann Layne and Jediah Blades ahead of the Tests on Oct 2–6 in Ahmedabad and Oct 10–14 in New Delhi.