IND vs WI 1st Test: Ahead of the first Test against the West Indies (IND vs WI), Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said that his team will not take the Windies lightly despite their recent struggles. He has also given some hints regarding the debut of Yashasvi Jaiswal. India will begin their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign with a two-Test series against the West Indies, with the first Test starting Wednesday in Dominica.

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Rahane: West Indies have done well at home over the years, especially in Tests

Rahane said in the press conference before the match, β€œWe have prepared well. We played a good practice match. We respect West Indies as a team. He is not one to be taken lightly. West Indies have done well at home over the years, especially in Tests. We want to give our 100 percent and are backing our gameplan and strength.”

Rahane also expressed happiness for Jaiswal

Rahane also expressed happiness for young Mumbai batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been called up to the national team for this series and could make his international debut.

He said, β€œI am very happy for Jaiswal, he has worked very hard, scored runs for Mumbai in domestic cricket and IPL. He is an exciting talent and the way he is batting is good. My message to him is that he expresses himself while batting. Plays with freedom and doesn’t think much about the fact that he is playing international cricket.”

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In the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rahane said there is an opportunity for players to bat at number three.

Rahane expressed his happiness over his return to the team and his role as the vice-captain in the new WTC 2023-25 cycle.

Really happy to be back as vice-captain- Rahane

He said, β€œI am used to this role. I was the vice captain for 4-5 years. I’m really happy to be back in the team, really happy to be back as vice-captain. I’m still young, still playing a lot of cricket.” I have the rest. I had a good IPL, I had a good domestic season too. Currently, I am really enjoying my cricket. I don’t want to think too much about the future. Now, every match is important, be it from my point of view or from the team’s point of view. I am focusing on that.”