India’s cricket team is gearing up for a new chapter after the retirement of stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The upcoming two-Test series against West Indies in October 2025 kicks off the home season and the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. At the same time, the Irani Cup will showcase top domestic talent. Here’s a clear look at when the squads will be announced and who might be in them, written in simple English.
West Indies Test Series: Squad Announcement
When Will the Squad Be Named?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce the 15-player squad for the West Indies series on September 23 or 24, 2025, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar will lead an online meeting, with inputs from new captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir. This will show their vision for the team’s future.
Series Schedule
The series is India’s first home assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle:
- 1st Test: October 2–6, 2025, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- 2nd Test: October 10–14, 2025, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
It’s a chance to test new players against a rebuilding West Indies team led by Roston Chase, who’ve picked spinners to tackle India’s pitches.
Likely Indian Squad
Based on form, fitness, and home conditions, here’s the probable 15-man squad:
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, B Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Devdutt Padikkal |
| Wicket-Keepers | Dhruv Jurel, N Jagadeesan |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar |
| Pacers | Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep |
| Spinner | Kuldeep Yadav |
Why These Players?
- Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are set to open, with Gill at four. B Sai Sudharsan stays at three for consistency.
- Middle Order: Karun Nair’s domestic runs earn him a spot over Shreyas Iyer, who’s struggled lately. Devdutt Padikkal adds depth.
- Wicket-Keeper: Dhruv Jurel’s recent India A century makes him the top choice, with Rishabh Pant likely out injured. N Jagadeesan is backup.
- Bowling: Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav lead the spin attack, perfect for Indian pitches. Mohammed Siraj heads the pacers, with Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep stepping up as Jasprit Bumrah is rested to stay fresh for tougher tours.
This squad blends experience with youth, focusing on spin to dominate at home while testing new faces.
Looking Ahead
The West Indies series is a low-pressure chance to experiment with new players and build for the World Test Championship. The Irani Cup, meanwhile, is a proving ground for domestic stars. The squad announcements on September 23–24 will set the tone for Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. Fans are eager to see how India’s young guns step up. Who’s your pick for the team? Let us know!
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