IND vs WI 2025: Bumrah, Kuldeep, Axar rest as remaining India squad attends practice session ahead of West Indies series
The first Test of the two-match series between India and West Indies will begin on 2nd October.
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India wasted no time in shifting focus from their Asia Cup victory to the upcoming Test series against West Indies, beginning their preparations at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. With just two days separating the white-ball final and the opening Test of the World Test Championship cycle, the squad and the support staff hit the ground running.
Less than 48 hours after lifting the Asia Cup, the Indian Test squad assembled in Ahmedabad for a nearly three-hour training session. However, senior players Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel were given rest, while the rest of the squad, including captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, were at the practice session.
Shubman Gill prepares for his first home Test as full-time captain
The training began with light warm-ups and catching drills before players moved into the nets. Batters had extended sessions against both pace and spin, while the bowlers worked in test conditions. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, fresh off their India A outing against Australia A, were seen bowling for nearly 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Gill, preparing for his first home Test as full-time captain, had a tough time with outside edges and rising deliveries.
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India’s top order looked in full flow as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul batted together, while wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who led India A recently, showed positive signs with the bat. Middle-order batters B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal had an impressive session, giving the management a tough call to pick the XI.
The biggest talking point is the extra batter’s slot in the XI. Padikkal’s form makes him a natural choice, but Reddy’s ability to contribute with the ball could shift the balance, especially on a surface providing grass and bounce. With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar almost certainties, the management has the flexibility to change combinations depending on the pitch.
India's squad for West Indies Test series 2025:
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (WK), Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
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