Nitish Reddy, Devdutt Padikkal return for West Indies Tests; Karun Nair, Easwaran dropped

India have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against West Indies, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Devdutt Padikkal making their return to the national team. However, there was no place for Karun Nair or Abhimanyu Easwaran in the squad, as confirmed by BCCI Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar during the Asia Cup event in Dubai.

The squad will be captained by Shubman Gill, who takes over leadership responsibilities, while Ravindra Jadeja has been named the vice-captain. The team also features several promising young talents and experienced players, providing a balanced combination for the important home series.

Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), N. Jagadeesan (wk), Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Rishabh Pant, who was vice-captain during the England series, continues his recovery from a right foot fracture sustained during the Manchester Test. “We are hopeful that he will be 100% fit by the time the South Africa series begins,” Ajit Agarkar stated.

Both Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan have retained their places as wicketkeepers in Pant’s absence. Jurel impressed with a brilliant 140-run knock against Australia A in the first unofficial Test, while Jagadeesan scored 64 as an opener. Their consistent performances sealed their spots, pushing Easwaran out of the squad. Agarkar explained that the slot for a third opener in home conditions was instead given to Axar Patel, a spin all-rounder, to strengthen the team’s balance.

Meanwhile, Karun Nair, who featured in four Tests during the England tour, was dropped after a disappointing run — scoring 205 runs at an average of just 25.62, with only one half-century (57) in eight innings. Agarkar emphasized that the selection committee “expected more” from the 33-year-old, especially against pace on relatively easy batting surfaces.