India have revealed their 15-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies in October 2025. The biggest story is Ravindra Jadeja being handed the vice-captaincy in the longest format for the very first time. He will support Shubman Gill, who continues as captain after leading in England.
Rishabh Pant remains sidelined with a foot injury, leaving the wicketkeeping gloves to Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan. The selectors have also turned to Devdutt Padikkal, giving the young left-hander another chance in the middle order. Karun Nair, however, misses out after an underwhelming tour of England, and announced the WI Squad after reaching the finals in the Asia Cup 2025, after beating Bangladesh.
The two Tests — scheduled in Ahmedabad and Delhi — mark India’s second assignment in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. With valuable points on the line, the squad selection highlights both trust in experience and an eye on the future.
Jadeja’s Leadership Role: A New Chapter
Ravindra Jadeja’s promotion to vice-captain is a clear sign of faith from the selectors. Known for his composure and consistency, Jadeja has been a crucial allrounder for years. Now, he will also shoulder leadership responsibilities in red-ball cricket. His task will be to support Gill on the field, offer tactical input, and guide younger players.
India’s strategy at home often revolves around spin dominance. Jadeja’s role extends beyond batting and bowling — he will also lead the spin department with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav alongside him. His ability to bowl long spells, rescue innings with the bat, and maintain sharp fielding intensity makes him a natural leader like Shreyas Iyer for the Punjab Kings.
For Gill, still in the early stages of captaincy, having Jadeja as his deputy adds balance and reassurance. This new leadership duo will be closely watched as India enters a key home series.
Wicketkeeping Choices Without Pant
India continue to be without their star wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant. His recovery from a fractured foot is still ongoing, ruling him out of the series. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel is expected to be the first-choice behind the stumps. N Jagadeesan has been included as backup, providing depth and batting stability.
Both keepers face the challenge of adapting to spin-heavy conditions at home. Sharp glove work and reliable batting contributions will be expected from them. While Pant’s absence is a big loss, the selectors see this as an opportunity to test India’s depth. A strong showing from either Jurel or Jagadeesan could shape future selection conversations.
Fast Bowling Unit Led by Bumrah
The inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most reassuring aspects of this squad. Despite concerns over workload after the Asia Cup, selectors have confirmed that Bumrah is available for both Tests. His presence strengthens India’s pace attack and provides crucial variety to balance the spin quartet.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will partner him in the fast-bowling department, while Nitish Kumar Reddy adds the option of a seam-bowling allrounder. With spin expected to dominate, Bumrah’s accuracy and strike power with the new ball will be vital. His ability to provide early breakthroughs could set the tone in both matches.
Selection Decisions: Who Missed Out and Who Came In
One of the big talking points from the squad announcement was Karun Nair’s exclusion. After scoring just 205 runs in eight innings in England, he was left out. Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, admitted that more was expected from him. In his place, Devdutt Padikkal was rewarded for showing form and resilience in recent matches.
Jagadeesan’s inclusion provides India with an additional wicketkeeping option and batting stability. Meanwhile, the selectors also kept faith in allrounders like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who offer flexibility in Indian conditions. These decisions underline a pragmatic approach: rewarding form while ensuring depth in every department.
Spin as the Heart of India’s Home Plan
India’s reliance on spin is no secret, and this squad shows clear intent. Jadeja, Axar, Washington, and Kuldeep provide four distinct spin options. This gives India the ability to adapt to any pitch behavior. Left-arm orthodox, off-spin, and wrist spin combine to form a potent attack.
At home, spinners play a central role not just in taking wickets, but also in controlling the flow of runs. With so many varieties available, India can rotate bowlers to keep batters under constant pressure. West Indies, who often struggle against quality spin in Asia, will face a stern test.
Gill’s First Home Series as Captain
For Shubman Gill, this series represents another milestone in his growing leadership career. He impressed in England by guiding India to a 2-2 draw, but captaincy in India brings different expectations. Fans demand victories, and the margin for error is much smaller at home.
Gill must balance handling experienced players like Jadeja and Bumrah with supporting youngsters such as Padikkal and Jurel. His field placements, use of spinners, and tactical adjustments will all be under the microscope. This series offers him the chance to prove his captaincy credentials on familiar soil.
WTC Context: Why These Matches Matter
India currently sits third in the WTC 2025-27 points table with 28 points from five Tests. Australia tops the table with a perfect record, while Sri Lanka holds second place. West Indies, having lost all three Tests to Australia, are yet to open their account.
Winning both Tests at home would give India a significant boost in their campaign. Every point counts in the WTC, and slip-ups at home can be costly later in the cycle. For India, this series is not just about results, but also about building momentum for tougher away tours ahead.
Spotlight on the New Faces
Devdutt Padikkal and N Jagadeesan will attract plenty of attention during this series. Padikkal, already with a fifty in Tests, is seen as a player who can grow into a reliable top-order option. Jagadeesan, meanwhile, will look to make the most of his chance as a keeper-batter.
Both players represent India’s bench strength and the selectors’ willingness to invest in youth. For them, this series is about more than numbers — it’s about proving temperament and seizing the opportunity. A good performance could lock them into future squads, while failure might delay their Test careers.
Can India Maintain Their Home Dominance?
India has dominated Test cricket at home for over a decade. With the resources at their disposal, they are the favorites once again. However, the West Indies have a pace attack capable of challenging batters if conditions favor seam movement. India cannot afford to take them lightly.
To maintain dominance, India will need strong partnerships from the top order, consistency from the spinners, and breakthroughs from Bumrah and Siraj. If they play to their strengths, India should secure a clean sweep. But complacency has hurt teams before, and Gill’s side must stay sharp from start to finish.
Conclusion
India’s Test squad for the West Indies series blends seniority and fresh energy. Jadeja’s promotion to vice-captain highlights his influence, while Gill takes another step as a leader. The squad reflects confidence in spin, faith in Bumrah’s fitness, and opportunities for youngsters like Padikkal and Jagadeesan.
The two matches are more than just another series — they are part of India’s WTC journey. Every performance, every selection call, and every tactical decision will feed into a larger campaign. India is are strong favorite, but they must deliver on the field.
This squad announcement is not only about personnel but also about direction. With points at stake and leadership evolving, the upcoming series promises to shape India’s path in Test cricket for the years to come.
