West Indies Announce Test Squad For India Tour With Key Changes

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

West Indies announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India next month. The matches will take place in Ahmedabad from October 2-6 and in New Delhi from October 10-14. This series will be the first assignment of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle for the Caribbean team. Roston Chase has been appointed as the captain of the squad.

Kraigg Brathwaite Dropped From Squad

Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite has been left out of the squad. The 32-year-old right-handed batter had led the West Indies team during their last India tour in 2018 and stepped down as captain in March 2025. Brathwaite was dropped after a poor performance in the recent three-match Test series against Australia at home, where he scored just 15 runs in four innings, with a highest score of only 3.

Chanderpaul And Athanaze Return

Tagenarine Chanderpaul has made a return to the West Indies Test squad after last playing against Australia in January 2024. Chanderpaul is a left-handed batter who has scored 560 runs in 10 Test matches, with an average of 32.94. He has one century and one half-century in his Test career.

Alick Athanaze also returns to the squad after his last match against Pakistan in January 2025. The top-order batter has scored 627 runs in 13 Test matches so far, including four half-centuries.

Cricket West Indies stated that both Chanderpaul and Athanaze have been included to strengthen the top-order batting. Their return aims to provide stability and experience to the batting lineup for the India tour.

Khary Pierre Earns Maiden Call-Up

Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has received his first-ever Test call-up due to impressive performances in domestic cricket. Pierre took 41 wickets at an average of 13.56 in the West Indies Championship, catching the selectors' attention.

Pierre has also played 13 matches at the international level, taking eight wickets. His inclusion adds a second specialist spinner option alongside other members of the squad.

Squad Composition And Strategy

The West Indies squad for the India tour consists of a mix of experienced players and newcomers. The squad is as follows:

• Captain: Roston Chase

• Batters: Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King

• All-Rounders: Anderson Phillip

• Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

The team is expected to rely on a strong batting lineup strengthened by the return of Chanderpaul and Athanaze. The inclusion of Khary Pierre and other bowlers aims to provide balance and variety in the bowling attack.

Focus On Batting Strength

West Indies selectors have highlighted the importance of a solid top-order to face India's strong bowling attack. The return of Chanderpaul and Athanaze is aimed at giving the team reliable options in the early part of the innings. Experienced players like Shai Hope and Roston Chase are expected to provide stability and guidance to the younger players.

Leadership And Team Vision

With Roston Chase leading the team, the West Indies aim to start the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle on a strong note. Chase, an experienced all-rounder, will play a key role in guiding the team through challenging conditions in India. The team’s strategy will focus on building partnerships and making use of spinners in the Indian pitches, where spin bowling is often crucial.

Challenges Ahead In India

The West Indies face a challenging tour as India is a tough opponent at home. Indian pitches typically assist spin bowlers, which means the West Indies team will need to adapt their batting strategy. Strong performances from both the experienced and new players will be essential to remain competitive.

Expectations From New Players

Khary Pierre’s inclusion adds depth to the spin department, and he will be expected to provide breakthroughs at key moments. Both Chanderpaul and Athanaze are anticipated to contribute significant runs and stabilize the batting order in difficult situations.

Preparation For World Test Championship

This series against India marks the beginning of West Indies’ journey in the World Test Championship 2025-27. The team will aim to score valuable points early in the tournament. Performance in India will be crucial for confidence and momentum as they move forward in the Championship cycle.

Fans And Media Reactions

Fans have shown excitement over the return of Chanderpaul and Athanaze. Meanwhile, Brathwaite’s omission has sparked discussions on social media, with opinions divided on whether his experience could have helped the team. Analysts expect that the fresh team composition might bring new energy and opportunities for younger players.

The West Indies squad for the India tour combines experienced players and fresh talent, aiming for strong performances in both batting and bowling. The return of Chanderpaul and Athanaze is a boost to the top-order, while Khary Pierre’s inclusion strengthens the spin department. With Roston Chase leading, the Caribbean team will look to make an impact in India and start their World Test Championship campaign on a positive note.

West Indies squad, India Test series, Brathwaite dropped news, Chanderpaul Athanaze return