Windies need to use India series as a learning curve
What's the story
West Indies, being bowled out twice inside two days, wasn't a sight that was enjoyable for fans. Most of the batsmen played poor shots and there was a sense of urgency that killed them. In Test cricket one needs a side to bat sensibly and on a flat track throwing away wickets is inexcusable. Here is more about their performance.
Batting
Batsmen let West Indies down
Scores of 181 and 196 can't be justified by West Indies. They need to give a better account of themselves and use this series as a learning curve. It wasn't one of those pitches that made the lives of batsmen difficult. It didn't even offer too much turn. When you look at the mode of dismissals it shows there was no application by batsmen.
WI
Batsmen were playing T20 instead of a Test
The batting unit of West Indies failed to derive anything from the pitch. Skipper Kraigg was right in his conclusion that India taught them how to bat. The most interesting aspect was that most of the batsmen, across the two innings, got dismissed playing shots that were worthy of T20 cricket rather than a Test match.
Mistakes
West Indies batsmen need to learn from mistakes
Indian spinners did well, but when one looks at the dismissals of the visitors, they somewhat managed to gift their wickets. Kieron Powell and Roston Chase showed the side that if one applies himself, then scoring runs shouldn't have been difficult. West Indies have plenty of issues to address ahead of the second Test and they need to learn from their mistakes.
Information
WI need Hope, Brathwaite to fire
The side needs Brathwaite and Shai Hope to lead the show. These two are the main pillars of this unit and with them misfiring, it cost the team. Hope was excellent in England last year and he can do well in India as well.
Learnings
Windies team need to learn from Kohli & Co.
This visitors can do well provided they want to learn and keep working hard against top teams. The 2-0 win against Bangladesh at home showed that they are no mugs. Given that India are a much superior side, WI need to take a leaf from Virat Kohli's side and see how they go about the business. They need to reignite their winning mentality.
Personal
Our take: Consistency is missing from Windies
Fans need to be patient with this West Indies side. They have the talent to win Tests against top teams. But they will take time to deliver consistent brand of cricket, which is missing at the moment.