India has announced a 15-member squad for the West Indies Test series. Shubman Gill will captain, and Jadeja will be the vice-captain. Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mohammed Shami have not been included in the team.
IND vs WI Test 2025: A two-match Test series between India and West Indies will be played from October 2 under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. The 15-member squad for the Indian team has been announced for this. In this Test series, Ravindra Jadeja has been named Shubman Gill's vice-captain. Furthermore, veteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also part of the team.
However, several deserving names are missing from this Indian Test squad. These include players like Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mohammed Shami. The omission of these players raises questions about their careers and the team selection.
Karun Nair's Omission from the Test Squad
Karun Nair has not found a place in the Indian Test squad for the West Indies tour. On the England tour, Karun scored a total of 205 runs in four Test matches, including just one half-century. After making a comeback to the Test team after 8 years, Karun Nair has been dropped again, casting uncertainty over his career.
Considering Karun's previous performance, there were expectations of his inclusion in the Test squad. However, the selectors overlooked him. This decision leaves his hopes of returning to the team currently in limbo.
Shardul Thakur Also Not in the Squad
Fast bowler and all-rounder Shardul Thakur has also not been included in the Indian Test squad for the West Indies tour. In the two matches played on the England tour, Shardul scored a total of 46 runs. Considering his performance, the selectors did not give him a place in the Test team.
Shardul Thakur's omission might affect the depth of fast bowling in the squad. Based on his previous performance, his inclusion was expected, but the selectors did not give him an opportunity this time.
Ishan Kishan Overlooked
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan last played a Test match for India against West Indies in 2023. Since then, he has consistently not been included in the Test squad. Ishan Kishan has played only two Tests, in which he scored a total of 78 runs.
The selection committee has preferred N Jagadeesan over Ishan Kishan. Former cricketer Ajit Agarkar stated in a press conference that Ishan's fitness played a significant role in this decision. Ishan was not fit for India-A selection, while Jagadeesan was part of the squad.
Ishan must now prove his worth for a comeback to the team by playing more cricket and performing well. His Test career is currently going through a challenging phase.
Sarfaraz Khan Remains Out of the Squad
Sarfaraz Khan also did not get a place in the squad for the West Indies tour. Although he recently focused on his fitness and lost weight, Sarfaraz has played only six Test matches for India so far, scoring a total of 371 runs.
His selection in the team was probable, but the selectors overlooked him. For Sarfaraz Khan, this was an important opportunity to return to the team and strengthen his career, which has now been postponed.
Mohammed Shami's Omission
Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami last played a Test for India against Australia in 2023. Since then, he has consistently not been included in the Test squad. Shami has played a total of 64 matches in his Test career, taking 229 wickets.
Shami's absence from the Test squad means that the Indian team will have to rely on other options to enhance its fast bowling depth. Considering his experience and performance, this omission comes as a surprise to many.
Indian Team Selection and Captaincy
In this Test series, the team will play under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah and several other experienced players are part of the squad. The team selection maintains a balance between young and experienced players.
However, several players who have performed well recently have not been included in the team. This could directly impact the careers of these players and the strategy of the Indian team.
