West Indies created history on Tuesday (October 21) during the second ODI of the three-match ODI series against the hosts Bangladesh in Mirpur, as it happened for the first time in ODI cricket history. In fact, the match also entered a historic feat. 

Leading the series by 1-0, after Bangladesh chose to bat first, they scored 213/7 in 50 overs. Later, the West Indies also scored 213/9 in 50 overs, as the match entered the Super Over due to the tie result. In the Super Over, after West Indies scored 10/1, Bangladesh replied with 9/1, and West Indies leveled the series by winning the Super Over. 

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West Indies spinners bowled 50 overs

During the first innings of the match, West Indies used spinners for the entire 50 overs. It was the first time in the history of ODI cricket that the entire innings were bowled by the spinners (excluding any shortened overs game). The previous record for most overs by the spinners in an ODI innings was 44 overs, which happened thrice in ODI cricket. 

Most overs by the spinners in an ODI innings

50 overs: West Indies vs Bangladesh at Mirpur in 2025

44 overs: Sri Lanka vs West Indies at Port of Spain in 1996

44 overs: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand at Colombo (RPS) in 1998

44 overs: Sri Lanka vs Australia at Dambulla in 2004

Most overs by the spinners in an ODI match

On the other hand, Bangladesh spinners delivered 42 overs out of their 50-over bowling. While the match experienced a total of 92 overs from the spinners, it is also a new record for most overs by the spinners in a complete ODI match. The previous record was 78.2 overs during the Afghanistan vs Ireland match at Dehradun on March 10, 2019. 

On the fourth day of the second Test against India in Delhi, West Indies put up a commendable display of determination, taking the contest into the final day under pressure. After India enforced the follow-on, the visitors began their second innings on a strong note, making significant strides in runs. John Campbell and Shai Hope both recorded great centuries, while Roston Chase (40), Justin Greaves (50*) and Jayden Seales (32) provided important assistance as West Indies added a final tally of 390 in 118.5 overs, finishing 120 runs ahead and tiring the Indian bowlers out in their search for wickets. 

India began their run chase of 121 but lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (8) early on. However, KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan rebuilt the innings to finish Day 4 at 63/1. The hosts would need only 58 runs more to win. The West Indies, although on the brink of defeat, were praised for their guts, commitment, and ability to fight back, achieving several records and milestones on a difficult day's play. 

#4 Fifth West Indies player to register a maiden Test century with a six

Opening batter John Campbell played remarkably with the bat, displaying great poise in an innings of 115 runs off 199 balls, to earn his first Test century. He hit 12 boundaries and 3 sixes during his innings. Campbell reached this milestone with a six off the fifth ball of the 58th over bowled by Ravindra Jadeja, which was a special moment for him.

With this achievement, Campbell became the fifth West Indian batter to score a maiden Test century with a six, joining Collins King, Robert Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, and Shane Dowrich. He also did it off 48 innings, which is the second most innings taken by a West Indian opener to score a first Test century, illustrating his progress and fight while batting.

#3 Most innings taken by a West Indies batter between two Test centuries

Shai Hope finally brought an end to an eight-year wait for a Test century, exhibiting the requisite patience and class on Day 4. He reached the milestone in style, guiding a boundary off Mohammed Siraj's last ball of the 83rd over. Hope's previous Test hundreds came back in 2017 against England when he famously made twin tons at Headingley. Since then, he has had to endure a long drought, which made this hundred an intense, emotional and therefore special moment in Hope's career.

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Hope also set a new record for the longest run between two Test hundreds by a West Indian batter with this milestone. He took 58 innings to accumulate the milestone between 2017 and 2025, edging out Jermaine Blackwood's previous record of the longest innings between two Test hundreds (47 innings) from 2015-2020. The innings evidenced Hope's perseverance and mental strength, and just how remarkable it is for him to return to the longest format at his best after it appeared as though he was struggling to perform throughout the years and was often close, but couldn't break the barrier.

#2 Fourth-highest 10th-wicket stand by West Indies in Tests played in India

Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales displayed tremendous grit and determination for the final wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers on day four. The duo put together a crucial 79-run stand from 132 balls, showcasing both discipline and intent. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also helped the West Indies extend their lead beyond the 100-run mark, turning what looked like a modest total into a respectable one and keeping the contest alive heading into the final day.

This defiant partnership between Greaves and Seales went down as the fourth-highest 10th-wicket stand against India in India. It placed them in elite company, with Pakistan’s Zulfiqar Ahmed and Amir Elahi still holding the record after their 104-run partnership in Chennai back in 1952. The West Indian tailenders’ resistance under pressure highlighted their fighting spirit and ensured their side ended the innings on a positive note, frustrating India’s hopes of an early finish.

#1 Two West Indies batters scoring centuries in the same Test match against India on Indian soil

John Campbell and Shai Hope both struck magnificent hundreds in the second innings for the visitors on day four, showcasing resilience and class against a strong Indian bowling attack. Their centuries not only helped the West Indies post a competitive total but also brought stability to their innings after early setbacks. This impressive feat marked a rare occurrence in West Indies cricket history — two of their batters scoring hundreds in the same Test innings against India on Indian soil.

Remarkably, this was only the third time such an achievement had taken place. The previous instance came in 1974, when Gordon Greenidge (107) and Clive Lloyd (163) both scored centuries in Bengaluru. The first occasion dates back to 1948–49, when legends Everton Weekes (101) and Clyde Walcott (108) reached triple figures in Kolkata. Campbell and Hope’s efforts added a new chapter to this historic list, reaffirming the West Indies’ fighting spirit in Test cricket.

West Indies cricket team players wearing black armbands on Day 1 of the second Test against India (IND vs WI) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Cricket fans are curious to know why they are wearing the black armbands. 

The West Indies cricket board released a statement explaining why they went to play the 2nd Test of the series against India with black armbands. It is a gesture from them as a tribute to former player Bernard Julien, who passed away last week. Julien was an all-rounder and was a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team under the leadership of Clive Lloyd. 

"The West Indies players are wearing black armbands on day 1 as a tribute to former player Bernard Julien, who passed away last week. "Allrounder Julien was a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team," the West Indies cricket board informed in a statement published on official social media platforms. 

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Julien was a left-arm fast bowler and right-handed batter who played 24 Tests for the West Indies. During this time, he made 866 runs at an average of 30.92 and took 50 wickets at 37.36. In ODIs, he claimed 18 wickets at 25.72.

West Indies made few changes in the starting xi

For the second test, the West Indies made a couple of changes in their lineup, while India is maintaining the same squad they used for the 1st test match, where they won effortlessly. 

"We were batting first as well; the pitch looks dry, so I'm not too worried. Obviously, we had some meetings, and we had some deep discussions as batters. And something that came up in meetings: we want to really try to bat the whole day and bat 90 overs. That’s something that we’re really looking forward to doing," West Indies captain Roston Chase said. 

India vs West Indies 2nd Test playing XIs:

West Indies: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (w), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

After Roston Chase’s West Indies side were dismantled in less than three days by India in the series opener at Ahmedabad, the visitors are likely to find more favourable batting conditions for the second and final Test in New Delhi. The match begins on October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

India, led by Shubman Gill, dominated every session of the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The hosts wrapped up a commanding innings-and-140-run victory inside two-and-a-half days, showcasing their all-round superiority. The decision to declare early on Day 3 ensured India spent no more than eight sessions on the field, keeping their bowlers fresh for the Delhi encounter.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the pitch in Delhi will be made using black soil and is expected to favour batters for most of the match. As the game progresses and the surface begins to wear, spinners are likely to come into play, offering more balance between bat and ball.

The change marks a clear contrast from Ahmedabad’s green-top, which had a generous layer of live grass that greatly assisted India’s fast bowlers. On a red-soil pitch with about four millimetres of grass, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj made early inroads, bundling out the West Indies for just 44.1 overs in their first innings. The visitors fared little better in their second innings, lasting only 45.1 overs.

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Delhi pitch to favour batters early, with spinners set to play a role later

In comparison, the Delhi pitch is expected to feature patches of grass interspersed with bald areas, resulting in a more even contest. The outfield will be quicker, and the boundaries slightly shorter, offering batsmen greater scoring opportunities. The surface’s black-soil base is known to hold together longer, assisting stroke play early on while gradually bringing spinners into the game from Day 3 onward.

The last Test match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium took place in 2023, when India defeated Australia by six wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. That match featured a slow-turning surface that began offering considerable help to spinners as it aged.

Weather may also play a role in Delhi’s Test. Recent rainfall has kept mornings cooler and left the skies overcast in the evenings, conditions that could influence swing and seam movement early in the match.

For West Indies, this second Test offers a chance to regroup and restore some pride after their humbling in Ahmedabad. For India, it’s an opportunity to seal another home series with a statement performance, this time, perhaps on a surface more suited to run-making than destruction.

Ravindrasinh Jadeja, or fondly called 'Sir Jadeja', is a rare breed in the sport of cricket. Consistent, utility, and charismatic players like him seldom go unnoticed, bringing a great deal to the table by contributing immensely and efficiently. An all-rounder by nature, his bowling and batting skills are impeccable and immaculate. His energetic and rock-solid presence in the middle has often drained the opposition, effectively resulting in calmness amid chaos. While batting, his tenacious ability to hold one end and anchor the innings adds another element to his armoury that is unique to proper batters. A straight addition to any side in world cricket, the Gujarati player, also counted as one of the fittest players ever to grace the game, is three-dimensional, and his fielding prowess is second to none. Winning people over with his noble deeds, he now sits as one of the better players, if not the best, in the Indian cricketing fraternity. And the circuit needs a regular influx of more such characters who are synonymous with effervescence and full of class. 

With a sharp and elite mentality, supreme talent, stringent hard work, and precision skill-training, over the years, Jadeja has outstandingly nourished and championed his skills to perfection. Always invested in improvements, he has brought about an evolution in his test batting and developed the elegant art of patience. The southpaw's game awareness, leadership skills, temperament, and transactional style of play have transformed him into an assured batter who loves his profession as much as anything. Mastering the game magnificently and exceptionally has fetched him several team and personal accolades. Besides all recognition, the 2019 Arjun Award, India's second-highest sporting honour, etched his name as one of the greats, and currently, with glorious strides, he is building an inspiring legacy of his own. Moreover, presently, the left-hander deservedly holds the number one rank in the ICC test all-rounders' rankings. 

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Ravindra Jadeja's Test Batting Evolution

A player who has had a stellar 2025, so far, with the bat in his hands, Jadeja's sublime performances have consolidated the balance of the Indian side. With the recent retirements of some of the seniors, his stay at the crease has acted as a glue between the top and the lower order. His middle-order batting has eased the transition process, further allowing the youngsters to settle into the dynamics of the longest and toughest format of the game. Additionally, he has also acted as a bridge between the incumbents and the newcomers, making them feel adept around him. Having finished the England tour on a high as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the five-match test rubber, with an incredible average of 86 across 10 innings, and with some series-defining performances, he continued from where he left off. Scoring an unbeaten 104 runs and coupled with 4 wickets in the second innings of the first test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, against the West Indies, the Indian all-rounder, bagging the man of the match title, had a stupendous start to the home season. On the way to the 6th ton of his test career, Jadeja reached a few milestones. His promising innings included 5 sixes, and that makes him the fourth-ranked Indian player for smashing the most sixes in test cricket. With a tally of 80 sixes in 86 matches, he now just trails Virender Sehwag, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit Sharma. He also possesses the most fifty-plus scores (7 in 7 games) in the format in the current year, yet.

HUNDRED BY THE VICE CAPTAIN. 🇮🇳

- A spectacular century by Sir Ravindra Jadeja. He’s having an unbelievable run in Test cricket. What a cricketer! 💯 pic.twitter.com/bCsp1p2yuq

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 3, 2025

When asked about his batting display during the post-match presentation, Jadeja had a few things to say - "Yeah, I have been working hard with my batting. We had a two-month off, there was no Test cricket or ODIs. I was working on my fitness, and I went to the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, worked on my skills and fitness. Yeah, absolutely (on his recent batting form). I had been batting at number 8 and 9 a few years ago, but now I have my place at 6. I have time to prepare myself, and I can pace my innings. I don't need to hurry; I don't need to rush unnecessarily. I can go out there, take my time and just pace my innings. I always love playing on red soil pitches. It's fun because, as a spinner, you get more turns and bounce. So, always as a spinner, you want that. I think I was enjoying it, and as I got to know that we are playing on red soil, I thought it would be okay for batting and bowling as well. If the wicket is flat, you can score runs. If the ball is turning, then you can enjoy bowling on the red soil. Obviously, I would like to thank the coach, captain and management and selectors because, being the vice-captain, you are always there as a team's special member, and that honour always pleased me. And yeah, whenever the team requires, whatever suggestion or regarding anything, I am always there and happy to do it. No, I am still not there (on being asked if he was the leader of the spin bowling department). Ash was there. I am not the captain. Kuldeep has also played many games for India. Washi (Sundar) has also played many games. So I think all in all, everyone is experienced enough, and there's no need to give unnecessary suggestions to anyone. So everybody is working hard. Everyone is positive. That's good to see."

Ravindra Jadeja's Test Batting Stats

Since 2021, across 36 tests, the Indian maverick has been the leading scorer (2064 runs) and wicket-taker (118 wickets) among the top all-rounders.

Jadeja attributes his batting evolution, the richness in form, the decisiveness towards calculated risks, and the consequent recent purple patch to clarity and stability. A fixed batting position, instead of being fluid, has allowed him to train specifically and against certain challenges thrown by red-ball cricket. The quality of batting longer than usual and with more responsibility is courtesy of intense training and seniority in the team, respectively. The recurring practice sessions, hitting and middling ball after ball, visualising opponent field positions, hunting gaps, and simulating match scenarios, have all strengthened his anatomy while improving his cricketing mettle. Sustaining such intended routines can only make him and the Indian cricket team progress leaps and bounds. If so, fans would get to witness the Saurashtra player's sword-show celebration match after match.

Like any player, Jadeja has had his ups and downs, but he never quit. There was a time in the first half of his international career when his place in the Indian team was unsecured, and he was even dropped. However, his resilience and determination kept him going through serious injuries and lean phases. Nothing deterred him, and all those hardships have culminated in one of the most decorated and successful cricketers of all time, in Ravindra Jadeja, or aptly known as 'Sir Jadeja'. 

Jasprit Bumrah stole the show on the opening day of the first Test between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, producing a masterclass in fast bowling. After losing the toss, India’s bowlers bundled out the visitors for just 162, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj sharing seven wickets between them.

Bumrah’s Unplayable Yorker

Bumrah claimed three wickets, including the key dismissals of John Campbell, Justin Greaves, and debutant Johann Layne. His highlight was a perfectly executed yorker that bowled Greaves for 32, leaving the West Indies batter helpless. In his next over, Bumrah also removed Layne, finishing with figures of 3/42 in 14 overs.

This performance helped Bumrah surpass Australian legend Brett Lee in the number of 'bowled' dismissals in Test cricket. He now has 65 wickets bowled, just one shy of fellow Indian pacer Mohammed Shami (66).

Watch the video:

Two fiery deliveries, two similar results 🔥🔥

Jasprit Bumrah, you absolute beauty!#TeamIndia @IDFCfirstbank | @Jaspritbumrah93 pic.twitter.com/JNcPGJxK8I

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 2, 2025

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Fast Bowlers With Most 'Bowled' Wickets in Tests

India’s Bowling Dominance

India’s bowling attack was clinical, leaving the West Indies struggling throughout their innings. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with 4 wickets, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar chipped in to finish the visitors off inside 44.1 overs.

West Indies’ resistance came only from Justin Greaves (32), Shai Hope (26), and Roston Chase (24), but India’s relentless pace and precision ensured no meaningful partnerships formed.

WTC Milestone for Bumrah

Bumrah also became the first Indian fast bowler to pick up 50 WTC wickets at home, joining spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the record books.

India’s dominant display on Day 1, spearheaded by Bumrah and Siraj, has set the tone for the two-Test series, showcasing the lethal potential of their pace attack.

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. 

Cricket South Africa (CSA) might have to shorten their only men’s home series this summer against West Indies to ensure both teams can reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on time. The Proteas are scheduled to host the West Indies for five T20Is between January 27 and February 6. However, the T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with the ICC’s support period, when teams arrive and play optional warm-up matches, starting January 31, earlier than the initially planned February 3.

CSA had originally planned their home fixtures assuming there would be enough time for South Africa to travel to the World Cup hosts. While it’s not mandatory for teams to use the entire support period at the venues, the ICC asks nations to specify how many warm-up matches they want, ranging from zero to two. Only if a team opts for two warm-up matches does the support period extend to one week before the tournament.

CSA is currently discussing with Cricket West Indies when the visitors want to arrive in the subcontinent and how many warm-up games they plan to play. If no warm-up matches are requested, the support period would start February 3, giving South Africa limited time to complete the series.

Impact on the SA vs WI Series

Even if West Indies feel the series in South Africa is enough preparation for the World Cup, the Proteas may have to cancel at least the last two T20Is, scheduled for February 4 and 6. Preponing the series isn’t possible since the SA20 league ends on January 25.

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South Africa also have a relatively light home schedule this summer as venues are being prepared for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with drop-in pitches being developed. CSA's calendar will be busier next season, as it will draw on ten home Tests (eight men’s, two women’s), including a series against Australia and England. This careful planning shows CSA is trying to maintain its home series while preparing for a World Cup.

India has a significant selection headache as Rishabh Pant has been sidelined with a foot injury suffered in the fourth Test against England. With the two-Test series against the West Indies to start from October 2 in Ahmedabad, the team needs a wicketkeeper-batter who is both aggressive and dependable. The most likely option is Dhruv Jurel, who has shown his worth with a free-flowing 140 in an unofficial Test against Australia A. He has scored 255 runs in five Tests, including a 50, which indicates he is prepared to perform at the international level in terms of Pant's responsibilities. 

Another very good choice is Narayan Jagadeesan, Tamil Nadu's wicketkeeper-batter who has substantial experience in domestic cricket. He has 3,686 runs in first-class cricket at an incredible average of over 50 with 11 centuries and 16 fifties. He was added to the squad recently after Pant's injury, he is extremely solid and calm in difficult conditions, when restraint and composure are more valuable than flamboyance. The selectors face a very big challenge not only in wicketkeeping skills, but also a batter's temperament under pressure as they look for balance and depth for India's first Test series.

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What India Misses Without Pant

Rishabh Pant’s absence leaves significant voids in explosive batting and aggressive wicketkeeping. Scoring over 3,400 Test runs at an average hovering in the mid-forties, including 2 hundreds and numerous fifties in recent home Tests, Pant has arguably been India’s most explosive batter. The contributing factor to his explosive batting style is his constant ability to apply pressure, come out of his crease, and turn the momentum of the innings - things that will be hard for India to adapt by losing Pant. Further, behind the stumps, Pant’s natural athleticism and vivacious presence at the wicket often rally the team and provide an energy section that often can’t be captured in statistics and would lift players at the right time through audacious play and enthusiasm. Losing him is a valuable option of attacking the bowling in the middle order. 

For the series against the West Indies, India will need an accomplished player who will handle fast, bouncy conditions along with the ability to remain composed against spin. The batting order will need to make long, numbing innings to fill the void left by Pant. The replacement would need to be an add on in the lower middle order to offer depth, ability to manipulate the tempo of the innings and remain calm under pressure. Finding the proper balance between defence and aggression would be paramount against a Windies attack that is likely going to test batters in both fast and spin conditions.

Strategic Considerations & Final Thoughts

Dhruv Jurel brings aggression and recent form, making him a strong candidate if India aim to maintain an attacking approach. Narayan Jagadeesan, with his consistency and vast experience, could be the preferred choice in conditions demanding patience and solid technique. The team management will need to carefully evaluate pitch conditions in Ahmedabad and Delhi, considering bounce and spin. Fitness, adaptability, and temperament under the pressures of Test cricket will also play a major role. Mentally, the replacement must be prepared for heightened expectations, as any lapse in performance will inevitably draw scrutiny in Pant’s absence.

Ultimately, India’s choice will depend on the desired role of the wicketkeeper-batter. If the focus is on quick scoring lower in the order and creating pressure through dynamic keeping, Jurel could get the nod. Conversely, if consolidation and stability are the priorities, Jagadeesan may be better suited. Whichever option is chosen, selectors must balance batting and keeping abilities to ensure continuity and maintain momentum in the Test XI, especially with the Australian tour on the horizon.

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).