Team India’s awaited squad for the home Test series against West Indies [IND vs WI] has been announced, and it’s clear the selectors are focusing on players for the future, particularly in home conditions.
The squad features some interesting selections and notable omissions that offer key takeaways for fans and experts alike.
1. No Place for Karun Nair
The exclusion of Karun Nair from the squad of IND vs WI series is a significant talking point. The right-handed batsman holds the record for the third-highest individual score by an Indian in Test cricket, with his unbeaten 303 against England in a home Test in Chennai in 2016.
Despite his amazing domestic record, including 8,601 runs at an average of 48.86 in first-class cricket, his last Test appearance for India was against England in 2025. His recent performance in the away series against England, where he managed just one fifty, may have influenced the selectors’ decision to look elsewhere.
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2. Axar Patel Gets His Chance
Axar Patel’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive all-round skills, especially in home Test cricket. The left-arm spinner has a stellar record with the ball in India, boasting 55 wickets in just 14 Tests at a remarkable average of 19.35, with five five-wicket hauls.
His ability to contribute with the bat, with 646 runs at an average of 35.89, makes him a valuable asset. The selectors’ decision to opt for an extra spin all-rounder instead of a third opener suggests they value his all-round capabilities in spin-friendly conditions.
3. Hard Luck for Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, has once again missed out on a Test cap despite being on the fringes of the national team for several tours.
The Bengal opener has an impressive first-class record of 7,841 runs at an average of 48.70, including 27 centuries. He has been part of the Indian squads for tours of Australia and England but has not received a chance to play. His continued absence from the playing XI is a harsh reality of the tough competition for spots in the Indian batting lineup.
4. Bumrah’s Availability Is Key
Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion for both Test matches is a welcome sign for Indian cricket. There were expectations he might be rested for this series due to workload management, especially after a back surgery and a recent five-Test series in England.
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However, the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, confirmed his availability, stating that the pacer is “ready and keen” to play. His presence will provide a significant boost to the bowling attack, as he is a crucial part of the team’s long-term plans.
5. Padikkal’s New-Gen Potential
Devdutt Padikkal has earned a place in the squad, and experts believe he is a key part of the new generation of middle-order batsmen for Team India. While he might not get a spot in the playing XI above Sai Sudharsan, his inclusion marks him as a backup plan.
The selectors are likely looking to groom the young left-hander, who has been in good form and offers a left-handed option in the middle order. He could be a valuable asset for the team’s future.
Fixtures and Squads
IND vs WI Test Series 2025
1st Test: October 2-6, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
2nd Test: October 10-14, 2025, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
India Squad:
Shubman Gill (c), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N. Jagadeesan (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.
West Indies Squad:
Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (wk), Tevin Imlach (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.