IND vs WI 2025: Star West Indies pacer ruled out of India tour

The India vs West Indies two-match Test series will begin this week, while the visitors West Indies have suffered another blow, as another key Caribbean fast bowler has been ruled out of the series. 

IND vs WI 2025: Alzarri Joseph ruled out of the series

After the right-arm fast bowler Shamar Joseph was ruled out of the away Test series against India due to an undisclosed injury, Alzarri Joseph has now been ruled out of the series due to a back injury. While Alzarri had discomfort, the scans confirmed a degeneration of his previously resolved lower back injury, which was confirmed by the Cricket West Indies (CWI).

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IND vs WI 2025: Test uncapped Jediah Blades replaced Alzarri Joseph

The 23-year-old left-arm pacer Jediah Blades is set to replace Alzarri for the India tour. The youngster is currently with the Caribbean team in the ongoing UAE tour for a three-match T20I series against Nepal, which will end on Tuesday (September 30), and then he will join the Test team. The uncapped Test player has played three ODIs and four T20Is, where he has taken one and three wickets, respectively. In 13 first-class matches, he has taken 35 wickets. 

IND vs WI 2025: Jason Holder was asked to be Alzarri Joseph's replacement

While the former captain Jason Holder was approached to join the Caribbean team as a replacement for Alzarri Joseph, the all-rounder declined due to his already planned medical procedure. He is also present in the ongoing UAE tour for the T20I series against Nepal. 

The two-match India vs West Indies Test series is part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, as both will play their second Test series in this WTC cycle. While India secured a 2-2 draw in the five-match away Test series against the hosts England, West Indies suffered a whitewash 3-0 Test series defeat against Australia at home. 

The West Indies team last defeated India in a Test match in 2002 during the Kingston Test. Meanwhile, the Caribbean team recorded their last Test victory in India during the 1994 Mohali Test. While the West Indies are desperate to break their long wait for a Test victory against India, Shubman Gill-led India are looking to continue their dominant Test record against the Caribbean team.