In a surprising reorganization which shows that the BCCI wants to combine an older player with a new prospect, India has unveiled its 15 member squad for the upcoming two–Test series starting October 2 against the West Indies which will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill continues as captain for the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. For his first home match, Ravindra Jadeja in his first match as vice captain, will be filling in for Rishabh Pant who has not yet returned. This announcement which has been made in Dubai as the Asia Cup 2025 is mid way through competition, has dropped the underperforming Karun Nair as well as the newcomers Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and wicket keeper Narayan Jagadeesan Def. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who has been the one on the focus along with other members, told the public “We expected more from Karun. It can’t be just one innings.”
The series is a part of India’s home packed season which will start against the West Indies who are willing to improve on their last few Test wins. Along with Bumrah who is leading the pace attack with Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, the squad is balanced with spin from Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Washington Sundar. Dhruv Jurel is the primary wicket keeper who will be supported by Jagadeesan.
Jurel has the opportunity to settle down into the role while Pant has the possibility of returning for the South Africa series to replace Jurel, who has been nursing a broken toe since the test in Manchester in July. Agarkar has commented on Jurel saying “He’s a talented kid”.
The latest drama surrounds the sudden departure of Karun Nair. The middle-order veteran who was brought back after 8 years for the England series, played 4 test matches scoring a measly 205 runs while boasting an average of 25.62. His performance at the The Oval for the half century was a beacon of light, but the selectors were not convinced. Agarkar said “We cannot allow every player to play 15-20 Test Matches let alone expect every player to perform at the same level. Karun was expected to deliver more in England”. Nair’s departure, along with Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has never played a match, highlights the brutal edge of India’s contiunuously competitive environment. Easwaran’s presence was justified by Agarkar’s saying “We don’t require a third opener for a home series”. Nair, who played an impressive innings with a score of 300 against England in 2016, now faces a sudden reality check. It seems as though he will have to perform at a domestic level in order to gain access back into the series.
Devdutt Padikkal’s recall feels like poetic justice. Karnataka’s elegant left-hander, who has played two Tests (including a fifty in Dharamsala against England), missed the England tour due to injury, but roared back with a gritty 150 for India A in a drawn four-day match against Australia A. That innings, along with a crucial partnership with Jurel, displayed the poise under pressure that Agarkar referenced. “Padikkal offers more options to us… He’s shown decent form with India A.” Padikkal, who is 27, is the perfect addition to the opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul with Sai Sudharsan providing more flexibility at 3. Padikkal’s inclusion also suggests a bias towards experience evidenced by the exclusion of other middle-order candidates like Sarfaraz Khan, who is more of a speculative pick.
Along with Jagadeesan Narayan of Tamil Nadu, another fresh addition as a second keeper also takes a bow with the addition of Jagadeesan which shows an intention to deepen the squad balance with an area which has been thinned out by the absence of Pant. Jagadeesan was not used in his maiden call up to England, but brings with him a seasoned domestic record, in addition to sharp glove work, with over 3000 runs in the Ranji Trophy. Unlike Jurel, who has been praised for his agile keeping, Jagadeesan can be seen in more of a defensive role, particularly on Indian pitches where spinners are more likely to thrive.
The entire squad is as follows: 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, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav. The addition of Nitish Kumar Reddy, with his all-round prowess, provides a dynamic option after injury, while the addition of Axar Patel adds to the spinning artillery. Bumrah’s availability after managing the workload is a huge plus and promises entertainment with the fire from Siraj, the bounce from Krishna, and the explosions from Bumrah.
Fresh off the 2 2 England draw, Gill’s leadership must now conquer an even more difficult home challenge. Jadeja’s vice-captaincy, a first in Tests, taps into his strategic abilities and all-round skills, critical on surfaces that may turn quickly. After the announcement, fans took to social media to celebrate Padikkal’s return (“Finally there is some class in the middle order!”) and to bemoan Nair’s exit (“It’s sad but form is king”). As one X post said, the mood is: “Jadeja VC, Padikkal back, Nair out—this is an evolving squad for India.”
Under Kraigg Brathwaite’s leadership, the West Indies recall on this tour the 2018 upset win in India. India has the advantage with Bumrah back from rest and a well balanced attack. Jagadeesan and Padikkal are symbolic of the rise of youth, whereas Nair’s omission serves as a stark reminder to all: in Test cricket, there are no free passes. As Ahmedabad prepares, expect a series of classic subcontinental fare filled with redemption stories and ruthless ambition.
