Dubai, Sep 25: India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the Test squad for the two-match home series against the West Indies, beginning October 2 in Ahmedabad. Devdutt Padikkal replaces an out-of-form Karun Nair in the squad, while Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain under Shubman Gill’s leadership. The second Test will be held in Delhi from October 10.
Bumrah, who played only three out of five Tests in England due to workload management, confirmed his availability for both games. “Bumrah is ready and keen to play both Tests against West Indies,” said BCCI Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar. He added that managing Bumrah’s workload remains a priority with major tournaments approaching.
Regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant, recovering from a fractured foot sustained during the England series, was unavailable. Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan will share wicket-keeping duties in his absence.
The squad also sets the stage for the upcoming South Africa tour, with two Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati starting November 14, followed by three ODIs and five T20Is, concluding on December 19.
India Test Squad vs West Indies:
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 (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.
This squad marks a strategic balance of experience and youth, with Bumrah’s return strengthening India’s pace attack and Jadeja providing leadership and all-round options in the middle.