Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan likely return as Jasprit Bumrah may miss India’s home Test series vs West Indies. But will this squad be enough for WTC dominance?
Updated: September 7, 2025 5:36 PM IST
New Delhi: India will host the West Indies for a two-match Test series at home in October. After drawing 2-2 against England, India now has a golden opportunity to strengthen its position in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. The home series against the West Indies and South Africa could prove to be a significant opportunity for India.
Key Match Dates
The first Test will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2. The second Test will begin at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 10. Considering the vastly different conditions compared to England, the Indian team could see several changes.
Bumrah’s Absence and Uncertainty Over Pant
Shubman Gill will lead the team. The squad will include KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. Rishabh Pant’s participation is uncertain as he suffered a toe fracture during the England tour. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested.
Who Will Replace Ashwin?
This series will be special for India as it will be their first home series after R. Ashwin’s retirement. Replacing him will be a challenge for the team management. Axar Patel is a potential candidate. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, who struggled in England, could be dropped, while Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan are almost certain to return.
Experimentation at No. 3 Expected
India lacks a settled batsman at the No. 3 position. Abhimanyu Easwaran could get a chance under captain Shubman Gill. Mohammed Siraj will lead the bowling attack, while Mohammed Shami’s return is also possible.
Fast Bowling Options
Players like Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh could find a place in the team as fast-bowling options. Nitish Reddy may also be retained in the squad.
India’s Probable Squad (West Indies Test Series)
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna/Akash Deep/Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (Probable).
Story Highlights
- India will play a home Test series against the West Indies starting October 2.
- Jasprit Bumrah to be rested; Rishabh Pant’s availability uncertain.
- Replacing R. Ashwin will be a challenge for the team management.
- Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan likely to return to the squad.
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