Karun Nair has been dropped from India’s Test squad for the two-match series against West Indies starting in Ahmedabad on October 2. The 33-year-old could manage only 205 runs in four Tests in England at an average of 25.62 on being recalled after eight years. Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal, who has played two Tests so far, has earned a recall.
Although Karun did get a half-century in his last Test at The Oval, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that the panel expected more from the middle-order batter.
“Yeah, I mean obviously we expected more. We feel Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point and I wish we could give everyone 15 or 20 Tests. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way,” Agarkar told the media on Thursday (September 25, 2025).
In Rishabh Pant’s absence for this series, Ravindra Jadeja has been named as the deputy to Shubman Gill by virtue of his vast experience. Pant, who was the vice-captain in England, is yet to recover from a foot injury that he suffered in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeepers in the 15-member contingent.
“Rishabh is the vice-captain at the moment and a key player. But unfortunately, he hasn’t quite recovered to make this particular series. We’re hopeful that he’ll be available for South Africa. And Jadeja has been one of your top performers. So, there’s a lot of experience. So, that’s essentially the reason,” explained Agarkar.
While Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are the spin-bowling options at Gill’s disposal, the pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Although Bumrah’s workload management meant he was available for only three of the five Tests in England, Agarkar said that the pace spearhead is available for both Tests of this series.
“This squad is for both Tests. So, Bumrah is available for both games,” the former India fast bowler said.
The squad
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.L. Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N. Jagadeesan (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.
Shubman Gill (C)
Captain for the Test squad since the India’s tour of England,
Gill established himself as the leader as he levelled the
series in England. He scored 754 runs across five Tests averaging
75.40 with four centuries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The dashing opener had made an impact against the England. His love
affair with England continued as the young left-handed opening batter
smashed his fourth Test hundred against the Three Lions. He had scored
six Test centuries so far.
KL Rahul
Rahul showed maturity in the opening slot during the England series.
He scored 532 runs in 10 innings against England. Rahul’s 532 run are
the most in a series by an opener in England since Graeme Smith’s 714
in 2003.
Sai Sudarshan
Making his debut in England, Sai Sudarshan played just three Tests
scoring 140 runs with 61 being his highest. He and Karun Nair were
rotated at the No.3 slot.
Devdutt Padikkal
Making a comeback to the Test squad in place of Karun Nair, Devdutt
Padikkal has played brilliantly against the Australia ‘A’ team during
the unofficial Test recently. His 150 and his partnership with Dhruv
Jurel enabled India ‘A’ to draw the Test.
Dhruv Jurel (WK)
In the absence of Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel has been named as the main
wicket-keeper. Jurel had a tremendous domestic season and his 140
against Australia ‘A’ in the unofficial Test earned him his spot in
the Indian squad.
Ravindra Jadeja (VC)
Jadeja was named as the vice-captain of the Indian team in the absence
of Rishabh Pant. With his vast experience, Ravindra Jadeja is expected
to be an able deputy for the young Shubman Gill.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar played well with both bat and ball in the England
series. He scored his maiden Test hundred to help India save the Old
Trafford Test. He also took seven wickets in the series.
Jasprit Bumrah
Although Bumrah’s workload management meant he was available for only
three of the five Tests in England, the selectors said that the pace
spearhead is available for both the Tests against West Indies.
Axar Patel
As Team India is playing in home, Axar Patel was brought into the
squad. He has so far played 14 Tests scoring 646 runs and also has
taken 55 wickets.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Sitting out in the first Test against England, Nitish played the
second and third Tests. He was ruled out of the remaining two Tests
due to injury.
N. Jagadeesan (WK)
Despite being named in the squad for the England series, Jagadeesan is
yet to make his debut in Tests. He had an excellent first-class record
which enabled him to be selected for the Test series against West
Indies.
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj delivered a breathtaking performance in India’s 2025
Test series in England, bowling a staggering 185.3 overs across all
five matches and emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets.
Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh played in three of the five Tests in the England series,
making a big impact in India’s series-squaring win at The Oval. He
bowled 43 overs in the match, claiming 8 for 188 as part of a
three-pronged pace attack with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
Kuldeep Yadav
Having played 113 ODI and 40 T20Is, Kuldeep Yadav is yet to make his
mark in Tests. He has played 13 Tests and has taken 56 wickets.
Kuldeep had taken 181 and 69 wickets in ODIs and T20Is respectively
Images: AP, K.R. Deepak, Shiv Kumar Pushpakar, ANI, Getty
Images, PTI, Reuters, M. PERIASAMY, AFP Compiled By: N. Kesavan
Interactive: Eunice Dhivya
