The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a formidable 15-member Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against the West Indies, starting October 2, 2025, in Ahmedabad. This series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, and India is gearing up with a blend of youth and experience under new leadership.

Key Highlights of India’s Test Squad Announcement

Shubman Gill Steps Up as Test Captain

Young batting sensation Shubman Gill takes the helm as India’s full-time Test captain for his first home assignment. Known for his elegant strokeplay and calm demeanor, Gill’s leadership will be under the spotlight as India aims to solidify its position in the WTC standings.

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Ravindra Jadeja Appointed Vice-Captain

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been named vice-captain, stepping into a leadership role in the absence of the injured Rishabh Pant. Jadeja’s all-round prowess and experience will be vital for India’s strategy on home soil.

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Jasprit Bumrah’s Much-Awaited Return

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is back in the Test fold and confirmed to play both matches, easing concerns about his workload. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized Bumrah’s fitness, making him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack.

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Wicket-Keeping Duties: Dhruv Jurel Takes Charge

With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to a foot injury, Dhruv Jurel will handle wicket-keeping duties, with N. Jagadeesan as the backup. Jurel’s recent performances make him a promising choice behind the stumps.

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New Faces and Notable Omissions

The batting lineup sees the return of Devdutt Padikkal, who replaces Karun Nair after the latter’s lackluster performance in England. Young talents like Sai Sudharsan and fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy add depth to the squad, signaling India’s focus on nurturing emerging stars.

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India vs West Indies Test Series Schedule

The two-match series is a key fixture in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025. Here’s the schedule:

• 1st Test: October 2–6, 2025, Ahmedabad
• 2nd Test: October 10–14, 2025, New Delhi

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India’s Test Squad for West Indies Series

The 15-member squad blends experience with youth, featuring:

• Shubman Gill (Captain)
• Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-Captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• KL Rahul
• Sai Sudharsan
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
• Washington Sundar
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Axar Patel
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• N. Jagadeesan (Wicket-Keeper)
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Kuldeep Yadav

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Why This Series Matters

India’s clash with the West Indies is more than just a bilateral series—it’s a critical opportunity to earn valuable WTC points. With a strong squad led by Gill and bolstered by Bumrah’s return, India aims to dominate at home. The inclusion of young talents like Sudharsan and Reddy also hints at the team’s long-term vision for Test cricket.

Internal Linking Opportunities:

• Shubman Gill’s Journey to Test Captaincy
• Jasprit Bumrah’s Impact on India’s Bowling Attack
• ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025: Standings and Updates