The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies, beginning October 2.Shubman Gill will continue as captain, while Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain in the absence of injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.The squad announcement came on the sidelines of India’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh in Dubai. Pant, India’s regular vice-captain, was ruled out due to a foot injury sustained during the England tour.

As a result, Dhruv Jurel will serve as the first-choice wicketkeeper. Selectors confirmed that Devdutt Padikkal has earned a recall following impressive runs in the Duleep Trophy and the India A vs Australia A unofficial Test. However, veteran Karun Nair and opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who toured England, were left out.Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar explained that the team did not require a third opener, ruling out Easwaran.

On Sarfaraz Khan, he clarified that the batter has yet to regain full fitness. Agarkar also admitted that more was expected from Karun Nair, who only managed one half-century in four Tests in England. This omission could signal the end of Nair’s Test career.Despite ongoing discussions about his workload, Jasprit Bumrah has been retained in the squad.“Jasprit Bumrah is ready and keen to play both Tests against the West Indies,” Agarkar said.

The pace attack will also feature Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, while Akash Deep, who impressed with 10 wickets at Edgbaston, has been left out.India’s spin department remains strong with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar all in the squad. Youngster Sai Sudharsan has retained his place despite modest returns against England, signaling the selectors’ long-term vision for him at No 3.

The two Tests will be played in Ahmedabad and Delhi, also marking the start of India’s campaign in the third ICC World Test Championship cycle. Currently placed third in the points table, India views this series as crucial preparation ahead of the South Africa Tests in November.Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, N Jagadeesan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)