India Announces 2025 West Indies Test Series Squad: Complete Details Inside

Karun Nair’s exclusion and Devdutt Padikkal’s recall were the major highlights of India’s 15-member Test squad for the two-match series against the West Indies, announced by the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, in Dubai on Thursday.

Nair, who returned to the Indian Test team for the England tour earlier this year after a remarkable domestic season, failed to secure his spot, scoring just 205 runs in four matches at an average of 25.62. On the other hand, left-hander Padikkal earned his return with a half-century in the Duleep Trophy semifinal and a 150 against Australia A earlier this month, having last played in a Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia the previous November.

Agarkar explained the decision to drop Nair, stating, “We expected more from Nair. At this time, Padikkal offers a bit more. We wish we could give everyone 15 or 20 Tests, but it doesn’t work that way. Padikkal has been in the squad, played in Dharamsala, and performed decently, especially with India A.”

Axar’s Home Return

With India set to host four consecutive Test matches at home in October and November against the West Indies and South Africa, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel rejoins the team. He last played in the home series against England early last year. Axar will form a spin trio alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.

Agarkar referred to India’s unexpected 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand as a wake-up call and emphasized the significance of the upcoming home Test season in the context of the World Test Championship.

With Rishabh Pant injured, Dhruv Jurel has been selected as the primary wicketkeeper, and Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain in Pant’s absence.

Gaps in the Middle Order

This will be India’s first home Test series after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, prompting Agarkar to acknowledge the need to fill gaps in the middle order.

While openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have secured their spots and captain Shubman Gill has made the No. 4 position his own after a successful series in England, the No. 3 spot remains unsettled.

Agarkar expressed confidence in Sai Sudharsan for the role, emphasizing the importance of giving young players a longer opportunity to prove themselves. “There have been changes at No. 3 due to our combination, where we played an extra all-rounder. Sai has shown promise, and we are hopeful to give him a longer run in a specific position,” he explained, clarifying that Sarfaraz Khan is out due to injury.

Sudharsan batted at one-drop in three matches in England, showing potential with a half-century, though his overall output was limited to 140 runs.

Bumrah’s Availability

In the fast-bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah will team up with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, though only two will feature in the playing XI.

Bumrah participated in only three out of five Tests in England to manage his workload, but Agarkar confirmed he’ll be available for both Tests against the West Indies. “He is available for both matches. After England, there’s been a considerable break, and he didn’t play the fifth Test, allowing five weeks of rest. He’s ready and eager to play both Tests.”

While carefully managing Bumrah’s workload is crucial due to his injury history, Agarkar affirmed that the team’s needs will take priority. “The team always comes first. Bumrah is an outstanding performer, so we want him available as much as possible, but it’s vital to handle his workload considering upcoming major tournaments.”

The first Test against the West Indies begins in Ahmedabad on October 2, followed by the second Test in Delhi starting October 10.

India Squad

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and N Jagadeesan (wk).

Published on Sep 25, 2025.