Jadeja Named Vice-Captain for West Indies Tests; Padikkal, Jagadeesan Included in 15-Man India Squad

27 Sep, 2025 | 02:15 PM

Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain of the Indian Test team for the upcoming two-match home series against West Indies, set to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad. This is Jadeja’s first time as Test vice-captain, although he has previously held the position in ODIs and T20Is.

Shubman Gill, who led India in the England series earlier this year, continues as captain, while Rishabh Pant remains sidelined with a foot injury sustained during the fourth Test at Headingley. Pant, who was vice-captain in England, is still recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Wicketkeeping Options and Squad Changes

With Pant unavailable, Dhruv Jurel is expected to take up wicketkeeping duties, with N Jagadeesan also included as backup. Both keepers were part of the England tour setup, with Jagadeesan having joined the squad late after Pant’s injury.

Also making a return is Devdutt Padikkal, who has earned a recall following solid performances, including a half-century against England in Dharamsala earlier this year. He replaces Karun Nair, who was dropped from the squad after a modest England tour, where he scored 205 runs in eight innings with a top score of 57.

Speaking on Nair’s exclusion, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said:

“We expected more from Karun. Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15-20 Tests, unfortunately it doesn't work that way.”

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan, who could have been in contention, is currently recovering from injury.

Spin Likely to Play Key Role at Home

India have leaned on spin depth for the home series, naming Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad. All four offer variations, and three are also reliable with the bat, giving India a flexible lower-middle order.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is included as a pace-bowling allrounder, joining the core fast-bowling group of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

Bumrah Cleared to Play Both Tests

There were questions over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability due to his involvement in the ongoing Asia Cup and a previously announced workload management plan. However, Agarkar confirmed Bumrah is fit and ready to play both matches.

“This team has been picked for both the Tests, so he's available for both. We've had a fair break after England. He didn't play the fifth Test either. He's ready and keen to play both Test matches,” Agarkar said.

Rest of Squad Holds Familiar Look

The remainder of the squad remains consistent with recent selections. KL Rahul returns as a senior batter, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan also included to strengthen the top order.

Notably, players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj, who were part of the England tour, have been left out but will feature in the Irani Cup for the Rest of India against Vidarbha from October 1.

World Test Championship Context

The series marks India’s second in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. After a 2-2 draw in the five-Test series in England, India currently sit third in the WTC standings with a 46.67% points percentage. Australia (100%) and Sri Lanka (66.67%) are ahead, while West Indies are yet to earn any points after losing three Tests to Australia earlier this year.

India Squad for West Indies Tests (2025)

Shubman Gill (capt)
Ravindra Jadeja (vice-capt)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
B Sai Sudharsan
Devdutt Padikkal
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
N Jagadeesan (wk)
Washington Sundar
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna

India vs West Indies Test Series Schedule

1st Test: October 2–6 – Ahmedabad
2nd Test: October 10–14 – Delhi

This home series offers India a crucial chance to gain ground in the WTC table while testing a refreshed squad brimming with youth, spin depth, and strategic changes.