Andy Pycroft receives warm reception during India vs West Indies 1st Test

Andy Pycroft, who was at the heart of last month’s Asia Cup handshake controversy, was back in focus on Thursday as he officiated the India vs West Indies first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

See Also: India vs Pakistan: BCCI clarifies stand on handshake protocol for Women’s World Cup 2025

The experienced match referee was warmly welcomed when he took charge, a moment that drew plenty of attention given his recent involvement in high-profile incidents.

Introduced on-air by former India coach and commentator Ravi Shastri, the moment carried a lively touch. Shastri, in his trademark style, announced, “ Back in the house all the way from Dubai in the hot seat, Andy Pycroft,” setting the tone for the occasion.

Andy Pycroft Fiesco in Asia Cup:

Andy Pycroft grabbed headlines in September after advising captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha to avoid the traditional handshake during the India-Pakistan toss. The move triggered controversy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board demanding his removal from duty.

The issue only grew bigger in Pakistan’s next fixture against the UAE, which faced an unexpected delay. The hold-up came as team officials engaged in last-minute talks with the ICC before Pakistan eventually agreed to step onto the field, highlighting the depth of the tension surrounding the incident.

Shubman Gill officially started his journey as India’s Test captain on Thursday, leading the side on home soil for the first time. The young opener stepped into the leadership role with high expectations surrounding his tenure.

India vs West Indies 1st Test:

West Indies won the toss and opted to take the first strike, choosing to bat. Their decision sets the tone for the match, giving them an opportunity to post a competitive total and put early pressure on India.

Shubman at toss said, “ We have got four Tests (at home) before the end of the year and we would like to win all four. Preparation has been good. Everyone is in great touch, it is about getting into the red-ball mindset. It looks like a very good surface.”

He further said, “ Not disappointed with losing the toss, it has been under covers and there might be some help early on. We have two seamers - Bumrah and Siraj, three spinners - Jaddu Bhai, Washington and Kuldeep, and allrounder Nitish Reddy."

As the captains exchanged handshakes after the toss and line-ups were confirmed, the opening Test was set for action. Unlike the Pakistan controversy, this clash carried no off-field drama—only the anticipation of a hard-fought, competitive battle on the pitch.

Playing XI of India and West Indies:

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Dhruv Jurel(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy

West Indies

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Shai Hope(wk), Roston Chase(c), Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne