**Injury Concerns Overshadow India’s Preparations Ahead of West Indies Test Series**
As the much-anticipated India vs West Indies Test series kicks off tomorrow at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India’s preparations have been hit by a minor setback. All-rounder Washington Sundar, a key figure in India’s spin department, was notably absent from the catching drills during the team’s net session due to a finger injury.
According to a report in *The Times of India*, Sundar was seen in discomfort and asked the team doctor for extra tape on his bowling hand. While he did participate in a long bowling session, his inability to take part in catching drills has raised eyebrows. Sundar’s dual role as a reliable spinner and a gritty lower-order batter makes him a crucial asset for the team, especially in Test cricket.
The injury comes at a challenging time for India, who are already missing explosive middle-order batter Rishabh Pant. Pant, who suffered a fracture during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in July, is yet to recover fully and will miss the two-match series.
The West Indies series is a golden opportunity for India to climb the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Playing on home soil, India is expected to dominate, but Sundar’s injury could complicate matters. Known for his ability to perform under pressure, Sundar has emerged as one of India’s most dependable spinners since his impressive performances in the home series against New Zealand. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, he has forged a formidable spin-bowling partnership, and his absence could leave a void in the team’s balance.
Meanwhile, the Indian team management offered some respite to the players who participated in the recently concluded Asia Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel opted out of the optional Tuesday net session, having arrived in Ahmedabad from Dubai in the early hours of the morning.
However, all eyes were on skipper Shubman Gill, who seemed unusually out of rhythm in the nets. The young captain, who rewrote record books with his explosive batting during India’s tour of England, struggled against Mohammed Siraj, edging deliveries and looking out of touch. Fans will hope that Gill, who plays for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, finds his form at a venue he knows well.
As India gears up for the series opener, the team’s focus will be on overcoming these challenges and delivering a dominant performance against the West Indies. With Sundar’s injury clouding the preparations and Gill’s form under scrutiny, the hosts will need to rally together to ensure a strong start to their WTC campaign.
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