BCCI Announces Squad for India vs West Indies Test Series
BCCI announces 15-man squad for India vs West Indies Tests, Jadeja named vice-captain, fresh lineup changes.
The BCCI has named a 15-man squad for India’s two-Test series against the West Indies. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the team on Thursday.
The series starts on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and moves to Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, for the second Test from October 10.
This is India’s first home Test series since the 0-3 loss to New Zealand last November, the first home whitewash in 24 years.
Agarkar and his selection committee are taking this series seriously as captain Shubman Gill looks to rebuild confidence at home.
Vice-Captaincy and Squad Changes
Ravindra Jadeja has been named vice-captain. Rishabh Pant is unavailable as he recovers from a foot injury sustained during the England tour.
Agarkar said, “Rishabh hasn’t quite recovered for this series. We’re hoping he will be back for the next one.” Jadeja earned the role after scoring 516 runs in England, including a match-saving century in Manchester.
Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran were left out. Nair returned to Tests after eight years but managed only 205 runs in four games against England. Agarkar said, “We had expected more from Karun.”
Easwaran missed out because India does not need a third opener at home. N Jagadeesan will serve as backup wicketkeeper-batter and can also open if required.
Sai Sudharsan has been given a long-term opportunity at No. 3. On his debut series in England, he scored 140 runs in three matches. Agarkar said, “It is all about continuity. Sai has shown a lot of promise. He will get a longer rope.”
Mohammed Shami is out due to limited first-class cricket in recent years. Akash Deep is also not included, with Prasidh Krishna preferred for home conditions and Deep given game time in domestic cricket.
Selectors continue to back Nitish Kumar Reddy, who provides batting under pressure and fast-bowling support. Agarkar said, “Nitish gives a lot of flexibility. He is young and developing, and we trust him.”
India Squad:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N. Jagadeesan (Wicket-keeper), Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
