Big Blow for West Indies! Shamar Joseph Ruled Out of India Tests – Debutant Named as Replacement

In a serious blow to the West Indies, top paceman Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against India. The first Test starts on October 2, 2025, and the second Test starts on October 10, 2025.

Joseph’s absence is expected to significantly weaken the West Indies attack as he has been one of west-indies’ top fast-bowling prospects in years. His pace and movement with the red ball was certainly a cause for concern for numerous top batters. The truth is that he will leave a significant gap in the Caribbean-side’s bowling attack.

Reason for Shamar Joseph’s Absence

Cricket West Indies says Joseph is out because of an injury, but they’re not saying what kind. They’re keeping an eye on him and will check him out again before the Bangladesh series later this year.

So, the West Indies will miss him for the India games, and they’re also worried about whether he’ll be ready for what’s coming up.

Johann Layne Set for International Debut

Johann Layne, 22-year-old all-rounder was handed the responsibility of replacing Joseph in the squad. This is Layne’s first call-up to the international team, and the teenager will be eager to grab the opening.

Layne has done a good job in his domestic career, playing for:

• 19 first-class matches
• 12 List A matches
• 5 T20 matches

He is a multi-talented player and that is why the inclusion of Layne in the team is a big plus. The tour to India can be his ideal moment to introduce himself to the cricket world.

Updated Squads for West Indies vs India Test Series 2025

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

India squad: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, N Jagadeeshan, Sai Sudharasan.

Also Read: New Zealand Announce 14-Member Squad for T20I Series Against Australia: Michael Bracewell to Lead

Despite the absence of Joseph, the series is sure to feature enthralling competition. With Shubman Gill captaining India for the first time in a Test series, and the West Indies relying on a blend of youth and experience, there should be no shortage of competitive cricket for fans.

For India, the pace combination of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be important, while the Windies will be looking to Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales to lead the pace attack.

Losing Shamar Joseph definitely hurts West Indies, but it gives Johann Layne a chance to shine on the big stage. With a strong Indian team coming, this series will really test how tough the Caribbean team is as they try to compete against one of the best teams out there.