The rivalry between India and the West Indies is one of the most exciting duels among cricket nations. As excitement peaks for the upcoming Test series between these two traditional teams, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member Test squad. This squad features several significant changes and the inclusion of some young faces, creating a stir in the cricket community. The biggest surprises are the appointment of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain and the omission of middle-order batter Karun Nair. Can this new team, led by Shubman Gill, create new history on home soil? The answer lies in the series set to begin on October 2nd.
Why Were Pant and Karun Nair Dropped?
The absence of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and middle-order batter Karun Nair from India’s Test squad has been the subject of much discussion. The board’s decision stems from clear reasons:
- Rishabh Pant’s Absence: Pant was not dropped; rather, he has not yet fully recovered from a serious injury. He was forced to remain out of the team due to an injury sustained during the tour of England. Selectors have stated that Pant is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru, and his return remains uncertain.
- Karun Nair’s Omission: Karun Nair was recently part of the squad during the England tour but failed to deliver the expected performance with the bat. The selectors are unwilling to take any further risks! They believe his form is not consistent enough for the challenging West Indies series. Therefore, looking to the future, he has been dropped to make way for a young player like Devdutt Padikkal.
Captain Gill and His Trusted Lieutenant Jadeja
The leadership of the team has been entrusted to the young sensation Shubman Gill. However, the experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been chosen as his deputy. His immense experience in Indian conditions, expertise in spin bowling, and reliability with the bat in the lower order motivated the team management to select him as vice-captain. Jadeja’s all-round performance on Indian pitches will be crucial in maintaining the team’s balance.
New Faces and the Return of Experience
The Indian team has made some changes to bolster its batting line-up and bowling attack for this series. Key changes to the squad include:
- Devdutt Padikkal’s Debut: The young left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal has been rewarded for his brilliant performances in domestic cricket and for India ‘A’ teams. The board is placing a big bet on this young star.
- Bumrah’s Return: One of the world’s best pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, has returned to the squad after recovering from injury. He will lead India’s pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. His return poses a serious threat to the opposition!
- Wicketkeeping Duties: No worries despite Pant’s absence! The primary keeping duties will be handled by the talented Dhruv Jurel, backed up by N. Jagadeesan.
India’s Squad: At a Glance (Categorized by Main Role)
Captain (C): Shubman Gill
Vice-Captain (VC): Ravindra Jadeja
Batsmen (incl. Wicketkeepers): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Narayan Jagadeesan (WK)
Bowlers (Spin & Pace): Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
Full Indian Squad List (15 Players)
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Ravindra Jadeja (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Narayan Jagadeesan (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Kuldeep Yadav
Series Schedule:
- First Test: October 2-6, 2025, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Match starts at 9:30 AM IST.
- Second Test: October 10-14, 2025, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Match starts at 9:30 AM IST.
Where to Watch the India vs West Indies Test Series?
Arrangements have been made to watch this important home Test series live in India:
- On TV: All matches of the series will be broadcast live on various channels of the Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, etc.).
- On Mobile (Live Streaming): Those who want to watch the matches on mobile or other devices will need a subscription to the Jio Hotstar app and website. This series will not be available for free viewing.
Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see how successful this blend of youth and experience proves to be, under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill and experienced vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja on home soil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the Captain and Vice-Captain of the Indian team for the West Indies Test series?
The Captain of the Indian team is Shubman Gill and the Vice-Captain is Ravindra Jadeja.
Why is Rishabh Pant not playing in this Test series?
Rishabh Pant is unable to play in this series due to injury. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Who is the new face in the Indian squad?
The young left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal has been included in this squad.
Where and when will the India vs West Indies First Test start?
The India vs West Indies First Test will start on October 2, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Where can the live broadcast of the India-West Indies Test series be seen?
The matches of the series can be watched live on TV on the Star Sports Network and on mobile via the Jio Hotstar app.
Where can tickets for the India vs West Indies Test series be purchased?
Tickets for both Test matches can generally be purchased from BookMyShow (the official online partner) and the respective stadium box offices. (For a match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, you may also check platforms like Viagogo).
What is the price of tickets for the two Test matches?
The price of match tickets varies according to the stadium and seating. Generally, the ticket prices for a standard (non-premium) seat may fall within the following ranges:
1st Test (Ahmedabad): ₹350/- to ₹1,500/- (INR) per day.
2nd Test (Delhi): ₹100/- to ₹1,200/- (INR) per day.
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