With the Asia Cup 2025 coming to an end, India are set to begin their first assignment of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle against the West Indies. The two-match Test series, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad, marks Shubman Gill’s maiden outing as Test captain on home soil. While the official squad announcement from the BCCI selection committee is expected soon, let’s have a look at predicted 15-member lineup that balances youth, experience, and form.

Karun Nair likely to miss out, Devdutt Padikkal set for recall

It is expected that the selection committee might move on from Karun Nair, who struggled on the England tour with just 205 runs at an average of 25.63. At 33, his position as India’s long-term No. 3 seems doubtful. In contrast, Devdutt Padikkal’s prolific run-scoring in the domestic circuit, highlighted by 223 runs at an average of 111.5 since the Duleep Trophy, has pushed his case strongly. His inclusion would add a left-handed option to India’s top order, giving balance to the batting lineup.

Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan, despite inconsistent returns in England, is likely to be backed by the management. His composed innings against Australia A earlier this year likely ensures his place in the squad.

Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management and Rishabh Pant’s absence

One of the biggest talking points is Jasprit Bumrah’s possible rest. The star pacer has featured in only 12 of India’s 48 home Tests, with the management often preserving him for tougher assignments or overseas tours. Against a lower-ranked West Indies side, it is highly probable that he will sit out to manage his workload.

In another development, Rishabh Pant is reportedly still undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence after sustaining a toe injury. His absence opens the door for Dhruv Jurel to take over as first-choice wicketkeeper. Jurel impressed in the England series and will be backed by Narayan Jagadeesan, who is in sizzling form with 313 runs in his last three innings at an average above 100.

Spinners and all-round options

Conditions in India will see the return of spin-heavy selections. Axar Patel, who missed the England series due to seam-friendly conditions, is expected to return. He will form a spin trio alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, with Washington Sundar also providing an off-spin option and batting depth.

Shreyas Iyer’s return under spotlight

Another key discussion point is the comeback of Shreyas Iyer. The right-hander last played a Test in February 2024 but recently captained India A against Australia A. Despite missing the second unofficial Test, there are no injury concerns reported, making his return to the senior setup highly probable.

Also READ: Kraigg Brathwaite axed as West Indies announces 15-member squad for Test series against India

Sarfaraz Khan’s injury dents comeback hopes

On the other hand, Sarfaraz Khan, who was widely regarded as the frontrunner for a middle-order batting slot in India’s Test squad, has suffered a setback. The prolific run-getter picked up a quadriceps injury during the Buchi Babu tournament, which has significantly jeopardised his comeback chances. Sarfaraz had been on the radar of the selectors for his consistent red-ball performances in domestic cricket, but the untimely injury means the selectors may look elsewhere for stability in the middle order.

The West Indies squad is expected to arrive in India on September 24. The first Test will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2, while the second and final Test is scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi starting October 10.

India Squad for West Indies Tests – Predicted

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer, Sai Sudharsan, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

Also READ: Explained: Why Shreyas Iyer is not playing the 2nd Unofficial Test against Australia A?