As India gears up for its next Test contests in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle—two-match home series each against West Indies and South Africa this October-November—the team faces crucial questions that could define their campaign. With Shubman Gill at the helm and back-to-back runner-up finishes in previous WTC finals, India’s road to the top is lined with tactical and selection dilemmas.1. How Can India Keep Jasprit Bumrah Fresh for the Big Tests?Bumrah’s limited workload in the England series (three Tests out of five) was a strategic choice, with fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj stepping up remarkably. Given the crowded calendar and the upcoming T20 World Cup in early 2026, India must decide whether to rotate Bumrah or use him only in select must-win matches to preserve his fitness and firepower for key clashes.2. Who Takes Ownership of the No. 3 Batting Spot?Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair both had stints at No. 3 in England but failed to impress. The position remains wide open—with both likely to get another shot against West Indies, the onus is on someone to make the spot their own and restore solidity to India’s top order.3. What’s India’s Spin Strategy for Spinning Home Tracks?Unlike England, home Tests will favor spin. Kuldeep Yadav, nearly picked in England, will be in the mix alongside experienced campaigners Ravindra Jadeja and all-rounder Washington Sundar—who both took seven wickets each in the last series. India must find the ideal spin combination for slow, turning surfaces.4. Which All-rounders Will Get a Run?Jadeja is a fixture, but the selection panel faces a call between giving continued chances to Sundar—or blooding young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy. With Jadeja in the twilight of his career and future-shaping on the agenda, this balance could be key for team dynamism.5. Can Siraj Keep Delivering the Goods?Mohammed Siraj emerged as a hero in England, but his track record is better overseas than at home. India will hope he can adapt his skills for home conditions and support the attack without the expectation of carrying the pace burden alone. Consistency from Siraj will be crucial if Bumrah is rotated or rested.Takeaway:With 18 Tests lined up for India in this WTC cycle—including pivotal home and away series against top teams—solving these five issues will be crucial for Shubman Gill’s side to break their WTC final jinx. The months ahead will test India’s depth, fitness management, and capacity for bold selection as they chase cricket’s ultimate red-ball crown.
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