WI vs IND 2023 Test Series Ratings: Virat Kohli back among runs, Siraj shines with the ball

How did the likes of Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal fare in the recently concluded test series between WI vs IND?

With a few younger faces in the squad, team India initiated a new era and entered a transition period in their test cricket journey. Indian team dropped Cheteshwar Pujara from the squad and went in with a new number 3 option as well as a new opening combination. Against West Indies it was no risk but all rewards for the team India.

As the rain washed out the final day of the test series, Team India won the two-match test series by 1-0, with the last test ending in a draw. Team India saw 3 debutants in the series and each one of them impressed with their game. From Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan to Mukesh Kumar in the bowling, team India were rewarded with good young options in the squad. As the test series has ended, let’s look back at how the 12 tested players flared against West Indies in the test series. 

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal- 266 runs in 3 innings, 1 Century 

Rating - 9/10

In our report card, the 21-year-old Indian opening batter struck 9 out of 10 marks as he went in confidently and smashed 173 runs in his maiden test inning. Jaiswal ended this series at an outstanding average of 88.66 giving himself great momentum to build a great test career ahead. 

2. Rohit Sharma- 240 runs 3 innings, 1 Century 

Rating - 8.5/10 

Captain Rohit Sharma has also picked up momentum in his test career and is going strong. Rohit smashed his 10th Test century at Windsor Park to seal the test match for team India. For his batting, he has scored 8.5 out of 10 in the series. Rohit’s bowling changes were a little clueless on day 3 of the second test. 

3. Shubman Gill- 45 runs 3 innings 

Rating - 3/10 

The West Indies tour was a failure for India’s new number 3 batter. Gill himself went to coach Rahul Dravid to ask for number 3 but failed to capitalise on the opportunity given by team management. He could only manage to score 45 runs against an out-of-colour West Indies bowling attack. 

4. Virat Kohli - 197 runs 2 innings, 1 Century 

Rating 7.5/10 

Virat Kohli's form in the red-ball format was little in doubt before this series. Virat Kohli has averaged just below 30 since January 2020 but in these two tests, he gave everyone an answer that he is still hungry and roaring like a lion. Kohli smashed a ton at Queen Park Oval and scored 76 in the first test. 

5. Ajinkya Rahane - 11 runs in 2 innings

Rating - 2/10 

Along with Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane also had a forgettable tour of the Caribbean islands. Rahane, who made a good comeback in the WTC final but could only manage to score 11 in 2 innings against West Indies. Rahane’s batting made zero impact on this tour. 

6. Ishan Kishan - 78 runs in 3 innings 

Rating - 7.5/10 

As India was looking for a batter at Number 6 who could replicate Rishabh Pant’s style of batting, Ishan Kishan came to the rescue. Kishan showed his prowess as a batter in the 2nd inning of 2nd test but also with gloves and with ‘chatter’ behind the stumps in both games. 

7. Ravindra Jadeja - 98 runs in 2 innings, 7 wickets

Rating - 7/10 

Playing as an all-rounder in the team, Ravindra Jadeja had a great tour with both bat and ball. He scored 98 runs in his 2 innings and also bagged 7 wickets in 2 test matches. Jadeja was complementing India's lower order very well along with his usual spin bowling partnership with Ashwin. 

8. Ravi Ashwin - 56 runs in 1 innings, 15 wickets

Rating - 9/10 

There was no doubt over Ravi Ashwin ending the tour as the leading wicket-taker. Ashwin bagged 15 wickets in the two test matches. 12 alone came in the first test. If the rain had allowed play on day 5, Ashwin’s wicket tally could have been bigger. 

9. Mohammed Siraj - 7 wickets 

Rating - 7/10 

Leading the pace attack in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s absence, Siraj has done a great job. When Windies were going steady at Queens Park Oval he bounced back nicely with his 5-wicket haul and provided Team India a huge 183 runs lead. Siraj picked up 7 wickets in the tour. 

10. Jaydev Unadkat - 0 wickets 

Rating - 3/10 

India’s domestic cricket star bowler Jaydev Unadkat failed to open his wicket tally in both test matches. Unadkat did not look threatening and posed no challenge in front of the Windies batter. Unadkat might have also played his last test for India as the waiting list is long on the bench. 

11. Mukesh Kumar - 2 wickets

Rating - 6/10 

Making his international debut, Mukesh Kumar has impressed everyone with his control of line and length. Mukesh also got the reward of bowling with control and picked up 2 wickets in the first innings of the 2nd test. Mukesh Kumar also made a great partnership with Siraj. 

12. Shardul Thakur - 1 wicket

Rating - 5/10 

All-rounder Shardul Thakur got the chance in the first test and then Mukesh Kumar replaced him in the 2nd game. Shardul picked up only one wicket in the first test and didn’t get to bowl in the second innings of the first test.