India opt to bat after winning toss, WI miss Jason Holder

Shardul Thakur misses out, Shaw to open with Rahul

India have won the toss and elected to bat first

India have already announced a 12-man squad a day prior to the game. The list included Prithvi Shaw who will make his international debut today in Rajkot. Shardul Thakur, who was in as a 12^th man has been benched for the game.

India will stick to a 5-bowler theory which includes three spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja – and two seamers – Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav.

“The wicket looks good. There's a bit of grass that holds up the surface. We are playing three spinners. Kuldeep is playing. Umesh and Shami start for us. Shaw is making his debut. We need to focus on our lower order contribution. See what Shaw can do at the top. It's all about giving them this phase. Give them some confidence,” said skipper Kohli after winning the toss.

#TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli wins the toss and elects to bat first in the 1st Test against West Indies.

Live - https://t.co/RfrOR7MGDV #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/qot91Wi8q5

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 4, 2018

On the other hand, West Indies will miss their regular skipper Jason Holder as he's got a slight ankle injury. Kraigg Brathwaite has taken the responsibility to lead the side. He also stated that if would have also batted first if he had won the toss. The guests will rely upon their speedsters who are eventually the backbone of the side. Sherman Lewis will make his debut  

“Using the new ball is the key for us. Got to be aggressive and enjoy the game. Holder is not playing. Lewis to make his debut today. I think the guys are looking forward to this,” said Braithwaite.

Here’re the playing XIs:

India: Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sunil Ambris, Shane Dowrich(w), Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo, Sherman Lewis, Shannon Gabriel