• Source:JND
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JE Sports Desk: The Rohit Sharma-led India will begin their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle and enter the transition phase in red-ball cricket with young Yashasvi Jaiswal all set to make his debut for the country as the team faces a wounded West Indies in the two-Test series, beginning here on Wednesday.

Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been added to the squad, however, it is unlikely that he will make the playing XI in Dominica. Gaikwad, who is a vital cog in MS Dhoni-led side, brought up him in an exclusive conversation with Jaiswal ahead of the first test. BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) released a video where both youngsters were shared their learnings and knowledge gathered from the talismanic captain.

“When I met Dhoni sir for the first time, I didn’t have many words, I told Namaste sir, I got goosebumps & it’s a blessing to see him - still I am losing words. I want to spend a lot of time with him to get lots of knowledge," said Jaiswal in the video shared by BCCI.

Also Read: India's 1st Test Match Squad, Live Streaming Details

Ruturaj meanwhile added, “I feel very lucky and fortunate that I can spend time with MS Dhoni. Players are desperate to meet him after the match to gain experience, I’m very lucky to spend 2-3 months every year with him. He’s available throughout the year for everyone."

Check out the video here:

India are tipped to name Jaiswal in the XI, off the back of a prolific stretch in domestic cricket in all three formats. Averaging over 80 in his first 26 First Class innings, Jaiswal made 265 in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy Final last year, also enjoying a strong year of white-ball cricket, hitting 625 runs in the 2023 IPL, at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 163.61.

Also Read: 'I Am Still Young...' Asserts Ajinkya Rahane Ahead Of 1st ODI