India vs West Indies 2025: Big Names Rested, Young Guns Get a Shot

India vs West Indies 2025: Shubman Gill’s First Home Test Series as Captain

After a thrilling 2-2 series draw in England, Team India will return to red-ball action in two months when they host West Indies for a two-match Test series, starting October 2nd. The opening Test will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, followed by the second and final Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from October 10.

This series marks Shubman Gill’s first home assignment as India’s Test captain, and the young skipper will be looking to kick things off in style. With valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake, India will aim to climb the 2025-27 WTC table and push for a place in the 2027 final.

⏱️ India vs West Indies 2025 Test Series – Full Schedule

1st Test: October 2–6, 2025 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
2nd Test: October 10–14, 2025 – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Also Read: India vs Pakistan Clash Incoming: Asia Cup 2025 Dates & Venue Revealed!

Bumrah Likely to be Rested for Home Tests

Although Jasprit Bumrah played a crucial role in England, India are expected to rest him for the India vs West Indies 2025 Test Series. With the Asia Cup ending just days before the first Test, and a demanding calendar ahead (including South Africa Tests and a white-ball tour of Australia), the selectors may opt to give Bumrah a well-earned break.

India have a history of resting Bumrah during home series, and the upcoming games provide a perfect window for rotation.

Pacer Watch: Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna in Line

In Bumrah’s likely absence, Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack alongside Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna—none of whom are currently part of India’s white-ball setup. This could be a crucial opportunity for the trio to cement their spots as backup seamers in the longer format.

Spin to Win: India Likely to Field Three Spinners

India’s dominance at home often comes from their spin-heavy bowling unit, and the West Indies series will be no different. Expect a lineup featuring three spinners in the XI and four in the squad:

Ravindra Jadeja – the experienced all-rounder
Axar Patel – expected to return to the squad after a brief injury layoff
Kuldeep Yadav – likely to continue as the lead wrist-spinner
Washington Sundar – adds balance with his off-spin and lower-order batting

Middle-Order Conundrum: Sai Sudharsan Gets Backing, Karun Nair Under Pressure

After a lukewarm series in England, Karun Nair’s future looks uncertain. With just 205 runs in 8 innings at an average of 25.62, his spot could go to the much younger Sai Sudharsan, who is expected to get a longer rope.

India might also give Sarfaraz Khan another opportunity—his domestic record and prior Test performance at home have kept him in the conversation. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who once again warmed the bench in England, could miss out, especially as India rarely pick a reserve opener at home.

Wicketkeeper Watch: Pant Set for Return, Jurel Remains Backup

Rishabh Pant, after missing multiple series due to injury, is expected to be fully fit in time for the West Indies Tests. He will also likely resume vice-captain duties.

Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in England with his gritty batting and glovework, will remain in the squad as Pant’s backup.

Predicted India vs West Indies 2025 Test Series

Shubman Gill (C)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Sai Sudharsan
Sarfaraz Khan
Rishabh Pant (VC/WK)
Dhruv Jurel (WK)
Ravindra Jadeja
Axar Patel
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Akash Deep
Prasidh Krishna

Key Focus: WTC 2025–27 Points & Squad Rotation

With two home Tests up for grabs, India will be looking to take maximum WTC points, but also use this series for resting senior players and testing bench strength. With South Africa and Australia series coming up, this could be a strategic trial period for Shubman Gill’s captaincy and team combinations.

Share this content: