The BCCI selection committee has announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies, with Ravindra Jadeja appointed as vice-captain. The series will also mark the start of Shubman Gill’s reign as India’s full-time Test captain on home soil.
Jadeja takes over vice-captaincy, Nair dropped
With Rishabh Pant still recovering from a foot injury sustained during the England series, Jadeja steps into the role of second-in-command. Karun Nair, who was under scrutiny for his lack of consistency, has been omitted from the squad.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the decision during a press conference in Dubai.
“Frankly, we expected a little bit more. He’s played four Tests, but at this stage we feel Padikkal offers a bit more,” Agarkar said. Devdutt Padikkal, who last played in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November 2024, has been recalled after scoring a century for India A against Australia A earlier this month.
Easwaran still waiting for debut, Pant ruled out
Another notable absentee is Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has repeatedly been part of India’s squads but is yet to debut. “We don’t need a third opener at home,” Agarkar clarified.
Pant, who served as vice-captain during the England series, remains sidelined. This opens the door for Dhruv Jurel to continue as the primary wicketkeeper, with N. Jagadeesan included as backup.
Balanced squad for spin-friendly conditions
Given home conditions, India have packed their lineup with spin options. Alongside Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav strengthen the spin attack. In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna remain the frontline quicks, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named as the pace-bowling all-rounder.
India Test squad vs West Indies:
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
West Indies announce squad with surprise inclusion
The West Indies, led by Roston Chase, have already arrived in Ahmedabad and are preparing for the opening Test. The squad includes 33-year-old left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, rewarded for his outstanding domestic season where he topped the wicket charts with 41 scalps at an average of 13.56.
Also included is Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of Windies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, as the team looks to build a competitive unit in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Series details
- 1st Test: October 2–6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- 2nd Test: October 10–14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
For India, this will be their first home assignment under captain Shubman Gill after he led them to a 2-2 draw in England earlier this year, marking the beginning of the 2025–27 WTC cycle.