Summary
Cricket fans have a lot to cheer for as Ravindra Jadeja has been officially named the vice-captain of India’s Test squad for the upcoming West Indies series. This powerful update brings excitement, as the two-Test series marks India’s second assignment in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, youngsters Devdutt Padikkal and N Jagadeesan have also been drafted into the 15-man squad, while Shubman Gill continues to lead the side.
Ravindra Jadeja’s First Stint as Test Vice-Captain
Though Ravindra Jadeja has previously been vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, this will be his first-ever time serving as deputy in Test cricket. His appointment reflects the selectors’ faith in his all-round abilities, leadership skills, and experience in Indian conditions where spin will play a major role.
With the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is still recovering from a fractured foot at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Ravindra Jadeja’s role as vice-captain gains even more importance.
Shubman Gill to Continue as India’s Test Captain
This will be Shubman Gill’s second Test series as captain after leading India in England earlier this year. Gill’s leadership will again be tested, especially in home conditions against the West Indies, as India aims to strengthen its position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 points table.
Currently, India sits third with 46.67 percentage points, behind Australia and Sri Lanka. With West Indies yet to register any points, this series offers India an opportunity to climb up the standings.
Squad Composition: Fresh Faces and Big Names
The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, announced the 15-member squad in Dubai. While several familiar names remain, there are some notable inclusions and exclusions.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Powerful 1st Test Vice-Captain Role, Inclusions:
- Devdutt Padikkal – rewarded for his consistent form, having earlier played against England in Dharamsala.
- N Jagadeesan – comes in as a backup wicketkeeper, with Dhruv Jurel expected to be the first-choice gloveman.
- Axar Patel – strengthens India’s spin-bowling allrounder department.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Powerful 1st Test Vice-Captain Role, Exclusions:
- Karun Nair – despite scoring 205 runs in England, he misses out. Agarkar said, “We expected more from Karun. Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point.”
- Abhimanyu Easwaran, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur – left out, though some have been included in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup.
Bowling Attack: Spin-Heavy Strategy for Home Tests
With matches scheduled in Ahmedabad (October 2–6) and Delhi (October 10–14), India is banking on spin-friendly conditions. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav as spin options.
In pace, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna form the frontline attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy adds depth as a fast-bowling allrounder.
Agarkar clarified that Bumrah, who had workload management concerns in England, will be available for both Tests as he has had adequate rest.
Wicketkeeping Choices: Jurel and Jagadeesan
With Pant sidelined, India will rely on Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. N Jagadeesan is expected to serve as backup but brings valuable domestic experience to the squad.
India vs West Indies 2025 Test Series Fixtures
- 1st Test: October 2–6, Ahmedabad
- 2nd Test: October 10–14, Delhi
This series is India’s chance to dominate at home, strengthen their WTC campaign, and test promising talents alongside senior players.
Full India Squad for West Indies Tests
- Shubman Gill (capt)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja (vice-capt)
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Axar Patel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Kuldeep Yadav
- N Jagadeesan (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja’s Powerful 1st Test Vice-Captain Role, Final Thoughts
This powerful squad announcement brings hope for Indian cricket fans. With Ravindra Jadeja stepping up as vice-captain, Shubman Gill continuing his leadership journey, and exciting talents like Devdutt Padikkal and Jagadeesan joining the team, the stage is set for a thrilling Test series.
India’s focus will be on maximizing WTC points, testing young players, and maintaining dominance at home conditions. Fans can expect an exciting blend of experience, youth, and tactical brilliance when the first ball is bowled on October 2 in Ahmedabad.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs: India vs West Indies Test Series 2025
1. Who is the vice-captain of India for the West Indies Test series?
Ravindra Jadeja has been named the vice-captain for the two-Test series against West Indies. This is his first time as Test vice-captain, although he has held the role in ODIs and T20Is earlier.
2. Who will lead India in the West Indies Test series?
Shubman Gill will captain India. This will be his second Test series as skipper after leading in England earlier this year.
3. Why is Rishabh Pant not included in the squad?
Rishabh Pant is recovering from a fractured foot sustained during the fourth Test in England. He is currently at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has not regained full fitness.
4. Who are the specialist wicketkeepers in the squad?
Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are the two specialist wicketkeepers. Jurel is expected to be the first-choice behind the stumps.
5. Why was Karun Nair dropped from the squad?
Despite scoring 205 runs in England, the selectors expected more from Nair. Ajit Agarkar stated that Devdutt Padikkal offers more at this point, which led to Nair’s exclusion.
6. Which new players have been included in the squad?
Devdutt Padikkal, N Jagadeesan, and Axar Patel have been added to the squad. Padikkal returns after showing good form, while Jagadeesan strengthens the wicketkeeping department.
7. What about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the series?
Bumrah will be available for both Tests. Despite workload concerns earlier, the selectors confirmed he has had enough rest and is ready to play both matches.
8. When will the India vs West Indies Tests be played?
The first Test will be held in Ahmedabad from October 2–6, and the second Test in Delhi from October 10–14, 2025.
9. How does this series affect India’s World Test Championship campaign?
This is India’s second series in the 2025–27 WTC cycle. Currently, India is third in the points table with 46.67 percentage points. Wins against West Indies will help India climb higher.
10. What is India’s full squad for the West Indies Tests?
The 15-member squad includes:
Shubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-capt), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, N Jagadeesan (wk).