Overview

• India completed a quick turnaround from their Asia Cup win, with most players training in Ahmedabad while Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel were rested for workload management.
• Shubman Gill said the XI will be finalized after a morning pitch inspection, noting India may field a third seamer depending on moisture and grass cover.
• Reports indicate team management asked curators for balanced, 'sporting' pitches for this series, a shift from rank turners used last season.
• West Indies arrive depleted after a 3-0 home loss to Australia and injuries to Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, with uncapped quicks Johann Layne and Jediah Blades called up and Khary Pierre poised for a debut.
• India enter as strong favourites as they seek to consolidate WTC points following a 2-2 away draw in England in Gill’s first series as full-time captain.