West Indies win toss and opt to bat; Holder returns, Shardul Thakur makes debut

Shardul Thakur becomes the 294th Indian to represent India in Test cricket

West Indies have won the toss and elected to bat first.

West Indies had a little respite with the return of their regular skipper Jason Holder. The team missed his services in Rajkot as their bowlers failed to make inroads into the strong Indian batting line-up.

In addition, Shannon Gabriel has been declared fit to play. He suffered a niggle in the previous game and was expected to remain out of action in Hyderabad. However, he actively took part in the practice session on Thursday and made his way into the playing XI.

“Looks a pretty good wicket to bat on. It's tough sitting out and watch the game but that's bound to happen. We have left out Keemo Paul,” said Holder after winning the toss.

Update from the toss.

Windies have won the toss and elect to bat first in the 2nd Test at Hyderabad.#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/K3k1yV4tpF

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018

On the other hand, after thrashing the Caribbean hosts by an innings and 272 runs, Virat Kohli and his men will be rooting for the first whitewash of the year. They have already announced a 12-man squad for the game which, surprisingly, remained unchanged.

For this game, Mohammed Shami has been rested while Shradul Thakur makes his Test debut.

Proud moment for @imShard as he receives his Test cap from @RaviShastriOfc, becomes the 294th player to represent #TeamIndia in Tests.#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/2XcClLka9a

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018

“Looks like a good pitch. We are not bothered by the toss but I would have batted first as well. We have to focus on this series, just focussing on repeat the things we did in the first game. Shami has been rested as he bowled a lot in the first Test, Shardul Thakur gets a game,” said Kohli.

Here're the Playing XIs of both the sides:

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

WEST INDIES: Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Ambris, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich(w), Jason Holder(c), Devendra Bishoo, Jomel Warrican, Shannon Gabriel