Reddy and Padikkal Make Comeback for West Indies Test Series

India’s cricket squad for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies has been announced, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Devdutt Padikkal making their return. The announcement was made by Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of Selectors of BCCI, during the Asia Cup in Dubai. Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran have not found a place in the squad.

The team will be led by Shubman Gill, with Ravindra Jadeja as his deputy. The complete squad includes players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, wicketkeepers Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan, Nitish Reddy, as well as Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

Rishabh Pant remains sidelined due to his recovery from a right foot fracture he sustained in England. Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan, both who have performed well recently, have secured spots in the team.

Karun Nair, having had a challenging time in England with a modest average and one half-century, has been dropped following Agarkar’s emphasis on expecting more from him. In his place, Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed with a recent score of 150 against Australia A, has been included.

Sai Sudharsan is being seen as a long-term investment for the No. 3 spot in the batting order. He had a challenging tour of England but received backing for future prospects.

Nitish Reddy, now called up for his first home Test series, has shown promise with his performances in England and Australia. Agarkar envisions him as a potential all-rounder contributing significant value to the team.

Jasprit Bumrah is reported to be available for both Tests against West Indies, providing a boost to the squad. Prasidh Krishna, despite a mixed performance in England, has made the team due to his match-winning abilities.

Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were not selected due to concerns over conditions not favoring their style in the home series. They are set to play in upcoming India A matches. Shreyas Iyer is on a break from red-ball cricket but will lead India A in the one-dayers against Australia A.

Agarkar emphasized the importance of the forthcoming home Test matches, following a setback against New Zealand. India aims to capitalize on strengths at home during these four critical Test matches against West Indies and South Africa.

The first Test against West Indies is set to begin in Ahmedabad on October 2, shortly after India’s Asia Cup final on September 28.