Why Did West Indies Bring Back Chanderpaul and Athanaze for Two-Test Series in India?
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Synopsis
Cricket West Indies has announced the return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze for the upcoming Test series against India. This series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, marks a pivotal moment for the West Indies as they seek to enhance their squad in challenging conditions. Discover the strategies behind this selection.
Key Takeaways
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze are key additions to the squad.
- The series marks the West Indies' first Test tour of India since 2018.
- Focus on enhancing batting strength and adapting to conditions.
- Team management emphasizes continuity and depth.
- Upcoming matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship.
St. John's (Antigua), Sep 16 (NationPress) Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have been recalled as Cricket West Indies (CWI) unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India, set to take place in Ahmedabad and Delhi from October 2-14. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship and marks the Test team's initial away series in the new cycle, being their first tour of India since 2018.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul, whose father, Shivnarine, made significant contributions during the 2002 tour of India, and rookie left-arm spinner Alick Athanaze are among three new additions to the squad that recently competed against Australia.
Both players are expected to enhance the top-order batting lineup, while Khary Pierre joins as the second specialist spinner, following impressive performances in the West Indies Championship, where he secured a staggering 41 wickets at an average of 13.56, according to a release from CWI on Tuesday.
The selection committee decided to rest Gudakesh Motie for this red-ball series due to the impending demands of the limited-overs schedule, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup approaching in February and March next year.
Head coach Daren Sammy expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete against one of the top-ranked teams on their home turf. He stated, “Competing in the subcontinent is always a challenge, and we have assembled a team ready to perform well in these conditions.” Sammy added, “This marks our second series together as a Test team, and we have already demonstrated our capabilities as a cohesive unit when we commit to our strategy and team objectives.”
Sammy emphasized the importance of Chanderpaul's return to strengthen the top order, alongside Athanaze's expertise against spin. “Khary's inclusion as our second spinner is a strategic move considering the expected conditions,” he noted.
Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket, highlighted the thoughtful approach behind the squad selection: “Our method continues to be calculated and intentional. We assess the opposition, playing conditions, and necessary skill sets to achieve success against specific teams.”
He added, “Player selection is guided by recent performances and identifying who can yield positive results against quality opponents on these surfaces.” The team is also focused on building continuity and depth within the Test squad as they aim for consistent competition throughout the World Test Championship cycle.
The squad will depart the Caribbean on September 22 and is scheduled to arrive in Ahmedabad on September 24.
West Indies squad for Test tour to India:
Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
Team management unit: Head coach: Daren Sammy, Assistant coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer, Assistant coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul, Assistant coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith. Team manager: Rawl Lewis, Physiotherapist: Neil Barry. Strength & conditioning coach: Ronald Rogers, Massage therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne, Team analyst: Avenesh Seetaram. Media officer: Jerome Foster
Full tour schedule:
1st Test: October 2-6, 2025 -- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
2nd Test: October 10-14, 2025 -- Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
Point of View
The inclusion of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze in the West Indies squad reflects a strategic shift towards rejuvenating the team's performance. This decision is vital not only for the immediate series against India but also for fostering long-term success in the ICC World Test Championship. The focus on combining experience with emerging talent signals a commitment to competitive cricket.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key players recalled for the series?
Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have been recalled to the squad to strengthen the batting order.
What is the significance of this Test series?
This series is crucial as it is part of the ICC World Test Championship and marks the West Indies' first Test tour of India since 2018.
When will the match series take place?
The matches are scheduled to take place from October 2 to October 14, 2025.
What strategy is the West Indies employing for this series?
The team is focusing on enhancing their batting strength and adapting to the playing conditions in India.
Who is the head coach of the West Indies team?
Daren Sammy is the head coach leading the West Indies team for this series.
