The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the 15-man Indian squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies, set to begin on October 2, 2025. India’s Test team will be led by Shubman Gill, with senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja appointed as vice-captain. This squad blends seasoned veterans with exciting youngsters, reflecting the selectors’ strategy to combine experience and fresh talent. Fans will see familiar names like KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel alongside emerging stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. The series opener takes place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on October 2, followed by the second Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from October 10.
India’s 2025 Test Squad: Key Selections and Omissions
India’s finalized Test squad for the West Indies tour is:
- Shubman Gill (Captain) – Young batting star and new India Test captain.
- Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-Captain) – Senior all-rounder, stepping up in Pant’s absence.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Promising opener known for aggressive batting.
- KL Rahul – Experienced keeper-batsman and former captain.
- Sai Sudharsan – Young top-order batsman solidifying his place.
- Devdutt Padikkal – Left-handed opener recalled after strong recent form.
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper) – The backup wicketkeeper retains his spot after deputizing for Rishabh Pant.
- Washington Sundar – Off-spinning all-rounder providing spin and batting depth.
- Jasprit Bumrah – World-class fast bowler to lead the pace attack.
- Axar Patel – Left-arm spinner and batting all-rounder.
- Mohammed Siraj – Experienced pacer known for pace and bounce.
- Prasidh Krishna – Quick bowler included despite a recent head knock.
- Kuldeep Yadav – Left-arm wrist-spinner to exploit turning conditions.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Young batting all-rounder who impressed in India A games.
- N. Jagadeesan – (Narayan Jagadeesan) Backup wicketkeeper-batsman included based on domestic form.
This lineup was revealed via BCCI’s official channels on September 25, 2025. By mixing experienced stars with rising talents, the selection aims to balance stability and innovation. For example, while stalwarts like Jadeja, Bumrah and Rahul offer seasoned leadership, fresh faces such as Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Padikkal inject new energy into the squad.
Several notable omissions and changes stand out in this squad:
- Devdutt Padikkal Recalled: Left-handed opener Devdutt Padikkal earned a Test recall after strong domestic scores. He scored a century in September’s India A vs Australia A match, cementing his case. Padikkal’s style and form as a stylish left-hander made him an obvious choice to replace Karun Nair at the top of the order.
- N. Jagadeesan Backup Wicketkeeper: With Rishabh Pant still recovering from injury, Dhruv Jurel will handle wicketkeeping duties. Narayan “N.” Jagadeesan has been named as the reserve keeper. Jagadeesan’s inclusion rewards his solid domestic performances, including a standout 197 in the Duleep Trophy.
- Karun Nair Dropped: Veteran batsman Karun Nair, who had made a short return in England 2025, was left out of the squad. He scored only 205 runs in that series and did not make the required impact. The selectors felt he hadn’t converted starts into big scores, so his spot went to Padikkal instead.
- Shreyas Iyer on Break: Shreyas Iyer, fresh from captaining India A, asked for a break from red-ball cricket and was not considered. This ruled him out of Test contention.
- Mohammed Shami Omitted: Senior pacer Mohammed Shami was also left out. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Shami’s limited game time over the past three years influenced that decision. With Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh forming the pace trio, Shami’s absence opens room for emerging bowlers.
- Rishabh Pant Injured: The regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant continues his recovery from the foot injury sustained in the Manchester Test. As a result, the team promoted Jadeja to vice-captain.
Captain and Leadership Changes
Shubman Gill assumes the Test captaincy for the first time. Gill, who led India in England earlier in 2025, is known for his calm, composed batting and tactical acumen. Ravindra Jadeja steps up as vice-captain due to Pant’s absence. Jadeja brings vast experience (over 60 Tests) and is the senior most player in the squad. This leadership combination is designed to mentor the younger players and make on-field decisions. The squad’s balance suggests the selectors want Gill to continue shaping his leadership at home, while Jadeja handles senior responsibilities and spin attack strategies.
Batting Lineup and Wicketkeepers
India’s batting order will likely feature an openers’ shuffle. Shubman Gill is expected to open, possibly alongside Devdutt Padikkal, with Padikkal’s recall aimed at partnering Gill at the top. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who impressed in England 2025, will slot in at number 3 or 4. Middle-order stability comes from KL Rahul (who can also keep wicket if needed), Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Reddy. Jadeja and Sundar add lower-order batting depth.
Dhruv Jurel, who kept wickets in England 2025, is India’s primary keeper in this series. He has solid experience from previous Tests and recent tours. Narayan Jagadeesan is included as the backup keeper. Jagadeesan had earned his spot with strong domestic performances (a Duleep double-century and runs in India A matches). With Jurel expected to play most matches, Jagadeesan gives insurance. Both are considered adept enough to keep on turning pitches and contribute as batsmen down the order.
Bowling Attack
India’s bowling unit blends world-class pace with varied spin. The pace trio is led by Jasprit Bumrah, who is confirmed to play the first Test. Bumrah’s return is welcome news, as his extraordinary form and lethal bowling make him the spearhead. Alongside him, India has Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to share the workload. Siraj is an experienced quick who bowled superbly in England 2025. Prasidh, a newer face, recovers from a recent head injury but was selected for the series, indicating confidence in his recovery and speed. All three pacers can exploit the pace-friendly conditions in India’s Western Stadium and Delhi.
The spin department is well-stocked. Ravindra Jadeja (left-arm orthodox) and Axar Patel (left-arm spin/batting all-rounder) are both in the side. Jadeja has vast Test experience and can bowl long, accurate spells in the subcontinent. Kuldeep Yadav (left-arm wrist-spin) returns to the squad after playing a few Tests in England; he offers a wicket-taking threat with spin. Washington Sundar, an off-spin all-rounder, also provides spin plus useful batting down the order. This variety of spin will be crucial on Indian pitches, which often assist the turn. Together, India’s spinners and pacers cover all bases for the two-match series.
India vs West Indies: Historical Context
The India–West Indies rivalry has deep roots. By Test cricket records, the two teams have met 100 times, with the West Indies historically leading 30–23 overall. However, the contest has strongly favored India in recent decades, especially on home soil. In India, the head-to-head stands at 14–13 in favor of the West Indies, but that edge is misleading: West Indies have not won a Test match in India since December 1994. Indeed, the visitors lost eight of the next ten Tests on Indian pitches after 1994, including 2–0 whitewashes in 2013 and 2018.
In contrast, India has dominated these meetings at home. Since 1994, India has won every Test series against the West Indies on home turf, often with big margins. This historical dominance means India enters the 2025 series as heavy favorites. The home conditions (subcontinental wickets and enthusiastic home crowds) typically favor the Indian team’s style of play. Nevertheless, West Indies always has the talent to spring surprises, so fans can expect keenly contested matches.
Latest Cricket News and BCCI Updates
Apart from the squad announcement, several related news items are making headlines:
- Ajit Agarkar’s Selection Comments: BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained some choices in a media briefing. He emphasized that all players had to earn their spot, noting that “we can’t give everyone 15–20 Test matches” in reference to Karun Nair’s exclusion. Agarkar also cited Shami’s long layoff and lack of recent cricket as a reason for omitting the veteran fast bowler.
- Rishabh Pant’s Fitness: Updates indicate Pant is still recovering from his foot injury. Agarkar mentioned that Pant might return for India’s home Tests versus South Africa (implying he will miss the West Indies series). This confirms why Jadeja is vice-captain.
- Domestic Star Contenders: Reports note that Sai Sudharsan’s recent big score (75* for India A) bolstered his claim for a top-order spot. Padikkal’s domestic run (including a 150 vs Australia A) was highlighted as making him the ideal replacement for Nair. Nitish Reddy’s inclusion reflects his recovery from injury and promising all-round skills.
- Test Series Details: The first Test is scheduled for Oct 2–6 at Ahmedabad (Narendra Modi Stadium), followed by Oct 10–14 at Delhi (Arun Jaitley Stadium). Both venues are spin-friendly, which may influence India’s squad balance.
- Asia Cup and Other Series: While not the focus here, fans may recall that India recently advanced in the 2025 Asia Cup and is preparing for future tours (e.g. white-ball series vs South Africa). These series underscore the busy schedule the BCCI is handling, alongside Test commitments.
For official updates, BCCI typically posts announcements on its website and social media. Cricket followers also rely on sports news portals and the BCCI’s press releases for latest information. Staying updated with these sources ensures fans know about any changes (like injury replacements or schedule shifts) as the tour approaches.
Fantasy Cricket ID in India: The Florencebook Platform
Cricket fans in India not only follow matches on the field – many participate in fantasy cricket ID games, where users create virtual teams of real players and earn points based on match performances. This has become hugely popular in urban areas. Fans from Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, Gurugram, Mumbai, and other major cities regularly join fantasy contests for events like the India vs West Indies series.
Florencebook is one of the leading fantasy cricket ID platforms catering to Indian users. It offers a wide range of fantasy contests (including small-league and grand-league formats) for cricket and other sports. Here are some reasons why Florencebook is popular among players in major cities:
- User-Friendly Interface: The online cricket id and florencebook website are designed for smooth navigation. Creating your team, joining contests, and tracking live points is intuitive, making it easy even for newcomers to start playing fantasy cricket ID.
- Multiple Contest Options: Users can choose from various game formats and entry fees. Whether playing free games or high-stakes leagues, the platform hosts contests for every level of interest and budget.
- Real-Time Updates: During live matches, florencebook provides real-time scoring updates. Fans can watch the game and see their fantasy points accumulate ball by ball, which adds to the excitement.
- Secure Transactions: Deposit and withdrawal of funds use secure payment systems. The site offers quick add-money options and withdrawal processing, so players can easily manage their account balances.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Florencebook boasts responsive customer support. Users in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram, and beyond report efficient help with queries about joining contests or handling transactions.
- Local Promotions: To appeal to its Indian user base, Florencebook runs region-specific bonuses and events. For example, players in Delhi NCR and Mumbai often get targeted promotions and support that make the experience more engaging.
These features make Florencebook stand out as a top fantasy sports choice in India. It has garnered strong support in tech-savvy markets: for instance, it ranks highly among Delhi-NCR users (including Noida, Faridabad and Gurugram), as well as in metro hubs like Mumbai. Many fantasy cricketers cite florence book stable platform and active community as reasons they prefer it over competitors.
When choosing a fantasy Cricket ID platform, players should also consider factors like the minimum withdrawal amount, customer reviews, and licensing. It is wise to join fantasy contests on reputable sites that prioritize fair play. florence book, backed by a licensed gaming framework, is often recommended for its trustworthiness and user experience.
Playing Responsibly and Staying Informed With Florencebook Fantasy site
Whether you’re following the official India vs West Indies series or joining fantasy contests on florencebook, it’s important to stay responsible and informed. Here are some tips for fans:
- Keep Up with Official News: Follow the BCCI’s announcements and credible sports news for lineup changes or match updates. For example, BCCI’s official Twitter or press releases will note any squad changes or schedule updates.
- Check Local Regulations: Fantasy sports are legal in most parts of India as games of skill, but laws can vary by state. For residents of Delhi, Mumbai, and other regions, ensure the platform you use is compliant with local regulations.
- Practice Responsible Play: Fantasy games involve real money. Bet only what you can afford and be aware that outcomes can vary. Use features like deposit limits and self-exclusion if needed.
- Stay Active: In fantasy cricket ID, knowledge is key. Use insights from recent news (like players in form or pitch reports) to make better team selections. For example, knowing Padikkal is in form or Jagadeesan is keeping can guide your picks.
- Explore Tutorials: florencebook and other sites often have tutorials and customer support. If you’re new, spend time learning how points are calculated and how to strategize.
By blending the real-world excitement of the India vs West Indies series with the engaging strategy of fantasy cricket ID, fans enjoy cricket on and off the field. The recently announced squad means fans can now focus on match strategies: India’s mix of aggressive batsmen, reliable keepers, and versatile bowlers will be fun to follow. At the same time, fantasy enthusiasts in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and other major cities can keep the thrill going by drafting these players into their Florencebook teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who has been named captain and vice-captain for India in the West Indies 2025 Test series?
A: Shubman Gill will serve as captain, and Ravindra Jadeja is the vice-captain for the 2025 India vs West Indies Tests. Gill, a talented young opener, led India’s Test side in England 2025, while Jadeja – a senior all-rounder – steps up in leadership due to Rishabh Pant’s injury.
Q2: What are the dates and venues for the India vs West Indies Test series in 2025?
A: The first Test will begin on October 2, 2025 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The second Test is scheduled from October 10 in New Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Both are home venues for India.
Q3: Which players were included or recalled in the Indian squad?
A: Key inclusions are Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, both of whom were recalled after strong domestic performances. Padikkal, a left-handed opener, returned to the Test side after scoring a century at century. Narayan Jagadeesan was added as the second wicketkeeper due to solid form.
Q4: Which notable players were dropped from the squad?
A: Karun Nair and Shreyas Iyer did not make the cut. Nair was dropped following a modest return in England, as selectors expected more from him. Shreyas Iyer had requested a break from Test cricket and thus was not considered. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami was also omitted, partly due to his limited play over recent years.
Q5: Who are the wicketkeepers in the squad?
A: Dhruv Jurel is India’s primary wicketkeeper for this tour, having taken over in Pant’s absence. Narayan “N.” Jagadeesan is the backup wicketkeeper. Both can contribute as lower-order batsmen as well.
Q6: What is the role of Devdutt Padikkal in the team? Why was he recalled?
A: Devdutt Padikkal is a left-handed opening batsman. He was recalled to the Test squad after impressive recent performances, including a century for India A in a warm-up match against Australia A. His form at the top of the order gives India a left-right combination with Gill, which can be advantageous.
Q7: Which fantasy cricket platforms are popular in India, and what is Florencebook?
A: There are several fantasy cricket platforms available, such as Dream11, MyTeam11, and others. Florencebook is a leading fantasy sports platform in India that allows users to create fantasy teams for cricket and other sports. Florencebook stands out for its user-friendly app, diverse contest formats, and strong customer support. It is especially popular in major Indian cities like Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Mumbai, where fans engage in fantasy leagues and contests surrounding big cricket series.
Q8: How do I create a fantasy cricket ID team in Florencebook?
A: To start on Florencebook, download the app or visit the website and register using your mobile number. Verify via OTP (one-time password) and set up your profile. Then, browse available contests (for example, for the upcoming India vs West Indies Tests) and join one. In your fantasy team, pick real players within the credit limit. Florencebook will then calculate points based on how those players perform in the actual match. Make sure to deposit funds into your account through the secure payment options before joining paid contests.
Q9: Is fantasy cricket legal in India?
A: Yes, fantasy cricket is generally legal in India as it is considered a game of skill. Most states permit fantasy sports platforms to operate, provided they meet regulatory requirements. However, laws can vary by region, so users should ensure they play on licensed platforms like Florencebook and within local regulations. Always play responsibly and be aware of your state’s guidelines.
Q10: Where can I find the latest official cricket news and updates?
A: Official news about squads and schedules is typically released by the BCCI on its website and social media channels. Reliable sports news websites and cricket portals also report on team announcements and match news. For example, the BCCI announcement of the West Indies Test squad was covered by major sports news outlets. Following official BCCI social media and credible cricket news sources is the best way to get accurate, up-to-date information.
