India announces Squad for West Indies Tests: With new Vice-Captain

India's squad for West Indies Tests has been announced with Shubman Gill retaining the captaincy and Ravindra Jadeja stepping in as vice-captain. The two-Test series, scheduled in Ahmedabad from October 2 and in Delhi from October 10, arrives as the second assignment for India in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. The selection carries a familiar look, but Jadeja’s elevation and Rishabh Pant’s continued recovery are the major talking points.

Why Jadeja as vice-captain makes sense

Ravindra Jadeja’s promotion to vice-captain is logical given his consistent Test performances, especially at home. Beyond his off-spin and reliable lower-order batting, Jadeja brings leadership experience and calm under pressure — qualities that suit the deputy’s role. With Rishabh Pant still recovering from a toe fracture (he was the vice-captain on the England tour), the team management has opted for a seasoned allrounder who can influence matches directly with both bat and ball.

Gill’s second Test captaincy assignment

Shubman Gill, who debuted as Test captain earlier in England this year, now leads India at home. The expectations are higher on home soil and Gill’s temperament, tactical acumen and form with the bat will be under scrutiny. This series provides him not only with leadership experience but also with a chance to cement a leadership nucleus that could carry India through the WTC cycle.

Spin-heavy selection for home conditions

Anticipating turning pitches, India’s squad features three spin-bowling allrounders — Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel — complemented by wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. This mix gives Gill multiple attacking options: left-arm orthodox variety (Jadeja/Axar), off-spin and batting depth via Sundar, plus Kuldeep’s wrist spin for wickets in the middle overs. In Ahmedabad and Delhi, where spin often plays a central role, this combination is designed to exploit home advantage.

Seam attack and balance

India’s pace battery remains strong on paper. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj lead the attack with Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy offering support. Bumrah’s skill with the new ball and reverse-swing, combined with Siraj’s aggression, create a solid new-ball pair. Nitish Kumar Reddy adds value as a fast-bowling allrounder, providing balance and the option of an extra seamer when required.

Wicketkeeping and middle-order options

With Pant not yet fit, Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are the chosen wicketkeepers. Jurel, who impressed earlier this year, is expected to be the first-choice gloveman. The batting lineup pairs proven performers like KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal with emerging talents such as B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. That mix of experience and youth aims to provide stability across both innings.

India's standing in the WTC and series context

This two-Test series is India's second of six in the 2025–27 World Test Championship. After a 2–2 draw in England, India sits third in the WTC with 46.67 percentage points. Australia leads the table with 100%, and Sri Lanka follows on 66.67%. West Indies enters the series with zero percentage points after a tough outing in Australia, giving India a clear opportunity to consolidate their WTC position.

India's Squad for West Indies Tests

Series outlook

On paper, India is a heavy favorite. A potent spin attack, supported by a competent pace department and a deep batting lineup, should make them hard to beat at home. For the West Indies, this tour is an opportunity to regroup, but facing India in Ahmedabad and Delhi will be a stern test. Ultimately, the narrative to watch will be Gill’s leadership and how Jadeja’s deputyship influences team dynamics in the crucial WTC campaign.

Also Read: Who is the highest wicket-taker in T20Is against Pakistan?

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