Is Padikkal Making a Comeback in India’s Test Squad Against West Indies?
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Synopsis
The BCCI has announced Shubman Gill's 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies starting October 2. Devdutt Padikkal returns, and Ravindra Jadeja is named vice captain. Discover the strategic changes and the players to watch in this crucial series as India aims to solidify its standing in international cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill will captain the team against the West Indies.
- Devdutt Padikkal returns to the Test squad after a long hiatus.
- Ravindra Jadeja serves as vice captain, adding experience to the team.
- The series against the West Indies is crucial for India's Test rankings.
- Injuries have impacted player selection, notably Rishabh Pant.
Dubai, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revealed a 15-member squad led by Shubman Gill for the upcoming two home Tests against the West Indies, commencing on October 2. Notably, Devdutt Padikkal makes his comeback, while senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice captain.
Padikkal's last Test appearance was during the initial match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November 2024, where he scored 0 and 25 across two innings. Earlier this month, he showcased his talent by scoring a century in the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow.
Taking the reins of the squad, Shubman Gill, who succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain after Sharma's retirement from the format, will lead the team with Ravindra Jadeja as his second-in-command.
In the wicketkeeping department, Dhruv Jurel has been selected to replace the injured Rishabh Pant for the final Test against England in August and will be the primary keeper for the Windies series, with N Jagadeesan as the backup. Pant, who served as vice-captain in the recent five-match series against England, suffered a serious foot injury during the fourth Test, ruling him out of the concluding match.
Karun Nair, who had a challenging return to Test cricket after eight years during the England tour, has been omitted from the squad. Additionally, pacer Prasidh Krishna, who sustained a head injury while fielding in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, is also part of the team.
Shreyas Iyer has opted out of selection after requesting a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Recently, he captained the India A team against Australia A in the first of two four-day unofficial Tests before passing the leadership to Jurel for the second match.
The first Test will take place in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test in Delhi starting October 10. This series marks India's return to Test cricket after the 2-2 draw in England, which was notable for the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Currently, India ranks third in the Test standings, behind Australia and Sri Lanka, despite having played more matches than the teams in first and second place.
India Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
vi/bc
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the BCCI's strategic decisions regarding team selection. The inclusion of players like Devdutt Padikkal and the leadership change with Shubman Gill leading the squad reflects India's commitment to rejuvenating its Test cricket prowess. This series against the West Indies is pivotal for India as they aim to enhance their standings in international cricket.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Indian Test squad against West Indies?
The Indian Test squad against the West Indies will be led by Shubman Gill.
What is the significance of Devdutt Padikkal's return?
Devdutt Padikkal's return is significant as he brings fresh talent back into the team after a notable performance in domestic cricket.
Why is Rishabh Pant not in the squad?
Rishabh Pant is not in the squad due to a serious foot injury sustained during the fourth Test against England.
Where will the first Test match be held?
The first Test match will be held in Ahmedabad.
What is the current ranking of India in Test cricket?
India is currently ranked third in the Test standings, behind Australia and Sri Lanka.
