India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been confirmed for both Test matches in the upcoming home series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad, announced Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar on Thursday. The 15-member squad, revealed at the Indian team hotel in Dubai, sees Devdutt Padikkal replacing Karun Nair, who struggled during the recent England tour, while Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran has also been excluded, signalling a shift in the selection panel’s long-term plans.
Agarkar emphasised Bumrah’s readiness, noting a five-week break since the England series, where he played only three of five tests due to workload management. “He’s ready and keen to play both Test matches,” Agarkar said, dispelling rest concerns despite the ongoing Asia Cup. However, Nair’s lacklustre performance—scoring just one fifty in eight innings in England—led to his omission. “We expected a bit more from Karun,” Agarkar remarked, praising Padikkal’s form, including a fifty in Dharamsala against England. Sai Sudharsan, 23, retains the No. 3 slot, with Agarkar citing his promise and the need for continuity.
Rishabh Pant’s absence due to a toe fracture sustained in England has elevated Ravindra Jadeja to vice-captain for the series, with Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan as wicketkeepers. Agarkar expressed hope for Pant’s return for the South Africa Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati from November 14 to 26, followed by a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series ending December 19. Axar Patel’s inclusion as a spin-bowling all-rounder strengthens the squad, while Easwaran’s exclusion reflects confidence in openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Jagadeesan as a potential third opener.
On veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, Agarkar provided no clear update, noting his limited recent cricket, including one Duleep Trophy match and one for Bengal. The squad, led by Shubman Gill, includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav, aiming for a balanced attack for the Ahmedabad and Delhi Tests.