The Indian batter Karun Nair has been dropped from the India squad for the upcoming test series against the West Indies beginning next month. He managed to score only 205 runs in four tests in England at an average of 25.62 on being recalled after eight years.
The Windies are set to play two tests in the West Indies tour of India 2025, with their last test series in India coming from 2018/19.
Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal, who has played two tests so far, has earned a recall. The chief selector Ajit Agarkar has explained Nair’s drop out from the squad.
“Yeah, I mean obviously we expected more. We feel Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point and I wish we could give everyone 15 or 20 Tests. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way,” said Ajit Agarkar.
🚨 Presenting #TeamIndia‘s squad for the West Indies Test series 🔽#INDvWI | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/S4D5mDGJNN
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 25, 2025
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant is still recovering from his foot fracture during the fourth test at Old Trafford in Manchester and will be not available for the series. Hence, Ravindra Jadeja has been named as the vice-captain based on his vast experience.
Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeepers in the 15-member India squad for the home series against West Indies. “Rishabh is the vice-captain at the moment and a key player. But unfortunately, he hasn’t quite recovered to make this particular series,” said Ajit Agarkar.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll be available for South Africa. And Jadeja has been one of your top performers. So, there’s a lot of experience. So, that’s essentially the reason,” explained Agarkar.
With Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are the spin-bowling options, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
The first test between India and West Indies will be played between October 02 and 06 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
India Squad for West Indies Tests: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.L. 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
