India vs West Indies Test 2025 Squad: Shubman Gill to Lead, Full Player List

Cricket lovers, brace yourselves. As the sun prepares to shine over Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium this October, a fresh chapter in Indian Test cricket is about to unfold. What began as speculative murmurs across social media and cricketing circles has now solidified, Shubman Gill will lead a reimagined Indian side in a two Test home series against the West Indies, with the BCCI’s selection panel dropping hints of bold transitions and long-term planning. This isn’t just another squad announcement, it’s a declaration that India is retooling for the future, balancing experience with youth and positioning itself for a sustained run in the new World Test Championship cycle.

In this post, we walk you through the full squad, the key inclusions and exclusions and what it signals for India’s Test ambitions.

India’s 15-Member Squad for the West Indies Tests

Here’s the complete list of players selected for the two-Test series (October 2–6 in Ahmedabad and October 10–14 in New Delhi)
Captain: Shubman Gill
Vice-Captain: Ravindra Jadeja

Batters / All-rounders / Wicketkeeper:

Shubman Gill (c)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
B Sai Sudharsan
Devdutt Padikkal
Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar

Spinners:
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Axar Patel

Pacers / Seam Attackers:
11. Jasprit Bumrah
12. Mohammed Siraj
13. Prasidh Krishna
14. Nitish Reddy

Reserve / Backup Keeper / Flex Option:
15. Narayan Jagadeesan (as second wicketkeeper or third opener)

What the Selection Says: Insights, Angle & Outlook

1. Gill’s homecoming and Captaincy momentum

This marks Shubman Gill’s first home series as Test captain, a big moment not just for him but for Indian cricket’s leadership transition. The selectors seem to be betting on his continuity and composure after his England exploits.

2. Jadeja steps up as vice-captain

With Rishabh Pant recovering from his foot injury, the selectors have entrusted Ravindra Jadeja with the vice-captaincy. His all-round balance makes him a natural second in command on spin-friendly turning pitches.

3. Out goes Karun Nair; in comes Padikkal

One of the most discussed decisions was about Karun Nair, who toured England, has been dropped. His inability to convert starts seems to have cost him. In his place, Devdutt Padikkal has earned a call, thanks to strong domestic form and potential as a middle-order asset.

4. Pant’s absence opens door for Jurel

With Rishabh Pant ruled out due to injury, Dhruv Jurel will don gloves, and Narayan Jagadeesan will be the backup keeper (or could even slot as a third opener if needed).

5. Balance in spin and pace departments

India goes with two specialist spinners (Kuldeep and Axar), plus Jadeja and Sundar to offer flexibility. On pace, Bumrah and Siraj lead the attack whereas Prasidh and Nitish provide back-up. No extravagant surplus of fast bowlers — it’s a fine balancing act.

6. Youth & depth, not just experience

The inclusion of Nitish Reddy and Padikkal signals the selectors’ focus on depth and building for the future, not just short-term results. The squad has veterans, but also those with upside and learning potential.

Final Thoughts & What to Watch

Will India bat five specialist batters or opt for another all-rounder?
How much will Jadeja be used as a bowling option, especially given the West Indies’ historical weakness against spin in India?
Can Jurel justify the faith placed in him as keeper and does Jagadeesan get a shot with the bat?
How much burden will Bumrah carry? Could the selectors rotate him across the two Tests?

For Indian fans, this series is far more than two matches. It’s the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle, a chance to solidify a core, and a test of how the younger names handle pressure. The canvas is set. Now, the players must paint the story.

For Latest Cricket Updates, Follow Popnewsblend.com

Prashant

Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.