Chanderpaul and Athanaze recalled as West Indies announce squad for India Tests

The West Indies have announced a 15-member squad ahead of their two-Test series against India, which is set to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad. The tour will be the Caribbean team's first away assignment of the newly established ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Chase remains as captain, Pierre earns maiden call-up, Brathwaite dropped

Selectors have chosen to go ahead with continuity under the captaincy of Roston Chase, who will continue to lead the team with left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican named as vice-captain. The largest talking point, however, is the maiden Test call-up for 33-year-old Khary Pierre. The left-arm spinner has been rewarded for his consistent performances at the domestic level, including an impressive West Indies Championship season where he took 41 wickets at an average of just 13.56.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have been included in the squad, and will both be expected to bring strength to the batting unit that struggled against Australia in the June-July series. Chanderpaul in particular, is seen as a key addition to the top order, given West Indies' continued struggles at the top of the order.

The absence of experienced player Kraigg Brathwaite is notable, being dropped following a dismal home series against Australia where he recorded only 15 runs in four innings. Brathwaite also reached a notable milestone earlier this year, appearing in his 100th Test match, becoming only the 10th player from the West Indies to reach that milestone. His omission also suggests possible transition for the side. Keacy Carty, Johann Layne, and Mikyle Louis, who were all part of the Australia series, also missed out.

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Sammy backs Chanderpaul and Athanaze, Pierre gets maiden call up, Motie rested

Daren Sammy, the head coach, stated the reasoning behind the squad: “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help us change our fortunes in the top of the order due to the struggles as of late, Alick Athanaze is being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling. Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner, in what we expect to be conditions conducive for turning in India."

Cricket West Indies has also indicated that first-choice spinner Gudakesh Motie has been rested while the management is monitoring his workload leading to a busy white-ball calendar upcoming, such as the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for early 2026. The two-match Test series will take place in Ahmedabad (October 2-6) and New Delhi (October 10-14). The West Indies squad is scheduled to arrive in India on September 24.

West Indies 15-member squad for the two-match Test series in India

Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (wk), Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

Team Management: Daren Sammy (Head Coach), Floyd Reifer (Assistant Coach – Batting), Ravi Rampaul (Assistant Coach - Bowling), Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach - Fielding).