Prithvi Shaw will be handed the Test cap by the Indian team ahead of the first Test match against West Indies, starting October 4. Breaking away from the tradition of not naming the final XI ahead of the game, the BCCI, on Wednesday announced the list of 12 players, a day before the game begins. India vs West Indies 2018 Test Series Preview: After Overseas' Defeats, Virat Kohli's Men Seek Course Correction at Home Ahead of Tour Down Under.

The youngster is poised to make a debut in the Indian team, ahead of Mayank Agarwal, as the latter’s name was not mentioned in the 12-member squad. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was all praise for the 18-year-old, while talking to the press. India vs West Indies 2018 Schedule: Full Match Timetable With Dates, Timings, and Venue Details as Windies Set To Play 2 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

Rahane said, “I am happy for Shaw. I have seen him since his young days; we used to practise together, he is an attacking opener and done well for India A, and got the reward. I wish him good luck. I just want him to play as he has been doing for Mumbai and India A.” Karun Nair's Exclusion From Test Squad Questioned by Former Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar.

India’s Final 12 Ahead of First Test Against WI: KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw (Debut), Virat Kohli (C), Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Rishabh Pant (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur.

By naming the final XII, India did settle the debate for the openers’ slots. It will be KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw who will be opening the innings for India. However, talking about the team combination, there still lies a dilemma for the Indian team management.

Watch Video of India vs West Indies Series 2018 Schedule: Fixtures, Time-Table, and Venues of 2 Tests, 5 ODIs, and 3 T20Is:

If skipper Virat Kohli opts for three spinners in the team, then it will be Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep who will find a place in the squad. If at all Kohli decides to play three seamers in the team, Shardul Thakur might as well debut for the Indian team, as then he will be selected alongside Mohammad Shami, and Umesh Yadav. India vs West Indies Test Series 2018: Mayank Agarwal, Kuldeep Yadav, Prithvi Shaw Amongst Other Key Players for Indian Team!

It will be tough on Mayank Agarwal to miss out of India’s final-12 for the first Test match. However, with all said and done, it will be exciting to see the U-19 World Cup winning captain open the innings for India in Test cricket. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs West Indies Test Series 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2018 01:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).