India vs West Indies: BCCI to Pick Test Squad on September 23–24, Gill to Lead at Home
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said that the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against West Indies will be picked on September 23 or 24. India will kick off their home season with a two-match Test series against West Indies, starting October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It will be the first home series for India in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27 after they started on a terrific note in England with a 2-2 draw on Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy debut. Ahead of the series, Devajit Saikia revealed that the selection meeting will be done online.
"Selection for the Indian Test team for the upcoming Test series against West Indies will be done on September 23 or 24 selection meeting will be online," Saikia was quoted.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and K.L. Rahul as opener
Yashasvi Jaiswal and K.L. Rahul are expected to open the innings, as both performed strongly on the England tour. With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the series due to a leg injury, Rahul is likely to be given the role of vice-captain.
At No. 3, Sai Sudharsan is expected to bat, followed by India’s Test captain Shubman Gill. Karun Nair might miss out on selection again this time. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who has been leading the India ‘A’ team, is set to make a comeback to Test cricket. He has been out of the squad since the home series against England.
Rishabh Pant out, Dhruv Jurel to keep wickets
With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to injury, Dhruv Jurel will be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Narayan Jagadeesan is also likely to be retained in the squad. Ishan Kishan, however, has slim chances of finding a spot.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are set to retain their places. Axar Patel is also in line for a comeback to the Test side. Kuldeep Yadav is a definite pick, and Axar Patel could partner him in the spin department. Among pacers, Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the attack, especially as Jasprit Bumrah might be rested. Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep are likely to be given opportunities.
India’s likely squad for the Test series vs West Indies:
India squad: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.L. Rahul (vice-captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Narayan Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel.
West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
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