IND vs WI 2025: India announce squad for West Indies Tests; Devdutt Padikkal returns, Karun Nair dropped

The All India Men's Selection Committee has named India's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies starting October 2. This records India’s first red-ball assignment at home in the new 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with Shubman Gill continuing to lead the team.

After the Asia Cup and the recently concluded 2-2 draw against England in the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India will be back home for the longest format of the game. The series opener will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad (October 2 to 6), followed by the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi (October 10 to 14). Notably, the Shubman Gill-led team is currently placed third in the WTC standings, behind Australia and Sri Lanka, despite having played more matches. A clean sweep at home would be important in keeping them in the top two.

The selectors have opted for a balanced unit under Gill's captaincy. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to open the batting, having both enjoyed strong returns during the England tour. Gill will slot in at No. 4, with the middle order also featuring Sai Sudharsan, who showed moments of brilliance in English conditions.

Notably, Karun Nair has been dropped after a poor run in the seroes against England, and stylish left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal has made a return to the red-ball team after impressive performances in the ongoing series between India A and Australia A. The southpaw hammered 150 runs in the drawn first unofficial Test played at Lucknow. Notably, Sarfaraz Khan, despite having a good run in the 2024 home season, has not found a place in the 15-man squad, with Agarkar informing that he has picked up an injury.

In the wicketkeeping department, Dhruv Jurel will be India’s first-choice option with the gloves, while Narayan Jagadeesan, who stepped in during the England series, has been retained as backup. Rishabh Pant missed out on selection as he is still recovering from a fractured left foot, which he suffered during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. With Pant not being part of the squad, the star all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, will don the vice-captain's hat.

The spin attack will once again be around Jadeja, along with Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav will be the lone specialist wrist-spinner. The pace department sees Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the frontline quicks, with Prasidh Krishna retaining his spot after an impressive England tour. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was withdrawn from the squad against England, has also returned to the fold and is the sole fast-bowling all-rounder in this team.

India’s squad for the two Tests against West Indies:

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), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

India vs West Indies 2025 Schedule:

The tour will begin with the opening Test at Ahmedabad's iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. The teams will then head to the Capital city for the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.