India Squad Announcement For West Indies Tests Live: India Test squad announced, Karun Nair dropped
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Sep 25, 2025, 13:36:58 IST
Comments
Share

India Squad Announcement For West Indies Tests Live: India Test squad announced, Karun Nair dropped

India Squad Announcement For West Indies Tests Live Updates: The upcoming India vs West Indies two-Test series will see the selection of a 15-player Indian squad decided in a virtual meeting of the Ajit Agarkar-led panel. The series starts on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with the second Test in New Delhi from October 10-14. A fit-again Karun Nair is expected to be a key discussion point, despite moderate returns in England, with his main competitor being Nitish Reddy, who is now fit and included in the India A squad for the Australia A games.

Top-order selections, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, and captain Shubman Gill, are automatic, while Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets in Pant’s absence. The panel faces decisions on whether to include an extra batter or a batting all-rounder, alongside the bowling attack comprising spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and pacers led by Mohammed Siraj. Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for the first Test, opening space for Prasidh Krishna.

Reserves include Narayan Jagadeesan as second wicketkeeper or third opener, with Devdutt Padikkal and Shreyas Iyer vying for the extra batter slot. On the opposition side, West Indies have recalled experienced batsmen Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, with spinner Khary Pierre included for the first time. Gudakesh Motie has been rested for upcoming white-ball commitments. Ranked eighth in Tests, the Windies face a challenging series against the fourth-ranked Indian team under new captain Shubman Gill.
13:36 (IST) Sep 25
Jasprit Bumrah returns to India's Test squad for the West Indies home series, while Devdutt Padikkal replaces Karun Nair. Shubman Gill will captain the team, with Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain. Selectors are optimistic about Pant's return for the South Africa Tests, with Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan covering his wicketkeeping role.
13:27 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Update on Shreyas Iyer
13:17 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar on Nitish Kumar Reddy- 'Shows promise and offers flexibility'
“Nitish showed a lot of promise, with the way he bowled and his batting under pressure. He’s a young kid who’s developing. He does give a lot of flexibility,” Agarkar said.

The comments underline the selectors’ confidence in Reddy’s potential and his ability to contribute both with bat and ball, giving India more options in the squad.
13:12 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar on Ishan Kishan
“When we picked India A, Ishan Kishan wasn’t fit. Jagadeeshan was part of the squad when Ishan wasn’t fit. Ishan will have to play a bit more cricket and show some performances,” Agarkar said.

The comments indicate that while Kishan remains in the selectors’ plans, he will need to prove his readiness through consistent performances before earning a spot in the national Test lineup.
13:10 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: New Zealand home series was a wake-up call
Ajit Agarkar highlighted the importance of every Test series for India in the ongoing World Test Championship.

“Because of the WTC, every series becomes important. The New Zealand home series was a wake-up call. All series are critical, we want to get as many points as possible, particularly at home. We don’t want what happened in the New Zealand series to be repeated,” Agarkar said.
13:06 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar on India’s Test squad selection
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke about the process behind India’s Test squad selection ahead of the West Indies series.

“You try and pick the best 15, sometimes you have to make tough decisions. We have an eye on what the future holds but our focus is series to series,” Agarkar said.

He added that most of the Test positions are settled. “Most of the Test players pick themselves, most of the spots are full, only one or two are left open. We are confident we’ve picked a good squad.”
13:03 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar on Mohammed Shami
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed questions about senior pacer Mohammed Shami ahead of India’s home Test series against the West Indies.

“He has not had a lot of cricket in the last three years,” Agarkar said.
12:59 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Sai Sudharsan gets extended opportunity at No. 3 in Tests
Ajit Agarkar has shed light on India’s decision regarding the No. 3 spot in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.

“It is all about continuity. Sai Sudharsan has shown a lot of promise. He will get a longer rope,” Agarkar said, signalling the team’s faith in the batter’s potential and the plan to give him an extended run at the crucial No. 3 position.
12:56 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Jasprit Bumrah available for both West Indies Tests
Ajit Agarkar confirmed that India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be available for both matches in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.

“Bumrah is available for both the Tests. He has had a fair amount of break,” Agarkar said.
12:55 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Why Abhimanyu Easwaran got dropped
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the decision to leave Abhimanyu Easwaran out of India’s squad for the upcoming West Indies Tests.

“On Abhimanyu, we don’t need a third opener at home,” Agarkar said, clarifying that the team management felt two openers would be sufficient for the series.
12:53 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar explains decision behind Karun Nair exclusion
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the exclusion of Karun Nair from India’s squad for the upcoming West Indies Tests. Agarkar stated, “Unfortunately, we can’t give everyone 15–20 Test matches. We had expected more from Karun in the England Test.
12:50 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ravindra Jadeja the new vice-captain
India have named Ravindra Jadeja as the vice-captain for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.

Here is the full squad:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
12:49 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Update on Rishabh Pant fitness
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has provided an update on Rishabh Pant’s fitness ahead of the upcoming West Indies and South Africa series. Speaking to the media, Agarkar said that while Pant won’t be ready immediately, he is “close to gaining his fitness.”

The selector added that the exact timeline for Pant’s return is hard to determine, but the team remains hopeful that the star wicketkeeper-batter will be fit in time for India’s series against South Africa.
12:46 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Changes in India squad for West Indies Tests
India has announced its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran have been dropped, while Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Reddy return. Ravindra Jadeja has been named vice-captain in Rishabh Pant’s absence, and Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack.
envelope

Subscribe to moreTOI Newsletters

If this was forwarded to you, subscribe for direct delivery and discover more newsletters.

12:45 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: India Test squad announced
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav
12:42 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: India announces squad for West Indies Tests
12:40 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Karun Nair dropped
India squad update: Karun Nair has been dropped from the Test squad for the upcoming West Indies series, with Devdutt Padikkal earning a call-up in his place. Reports Pratyush Raj.
12:38 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar to reveal West Indies series picks
Questions on everyone’s mind include: who will step in as vice-captain with Rishabh Pant sidelined?

Will Karun Nair get another opportunity? Could Sarfaraz Khan be in contention? Will Manav Suthar receive his maiden call-up?

Answers are coming shortly, so stay tuned as we bring you all the updates live.
12:36 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar’s press conference about to begin
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar’s press conference about to begin

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s press conference is about to begin, reports our reporter Pratyush Raj live from Dubai.

12:31 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Dhruv Jurel to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper
India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to miss the upcoming home Test against the West Indies while he continues to recover from a foot injury. Pant, who is India’s primary keeper in red-ball cricket, sustained the injury during the Manchester Test in England in July and also missed the final Test at The Oval.

With Pant sidelined, Dhruv Jurel is likely to take over as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the series starting on October 2 in Ahmedabad.
12:26 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Squad to be announced soon
12:24 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Current WTC standings
As India prepares to host West Indies for a two-match Test series, here’s the latest ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 points table.

Standings:

1. Australia – 3 matches, 3 wins, 36 points, 100.00%

2. Sri Lanka – 2 matches, 1 win, 16 points, 66.67%

3. India – 5 matches, 2 wins, 2 losses, 28 points, 46.67%

4. England – 5 matches, 2 wins, 2 losses, 26 points, 43.33%

5. Bangladesh – 2 matches, 0 wins, 4 points, 16.67%

6. West Indies – 3 matches, 0 wins, 0 points, 0.00%

Yet to play: New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan
12:17 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: IND-WI Test series schedule
The Indian squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies is set to be revealed today. Fans are eager to see who makes the cut for the first home assignment of the season.

Schedule:

1st Test: Oct 2–6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

2nd Test: Oct 10–14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
12:09 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: BCCI confirms that Shreyas Iyer has taken a long break from red ball cricket
Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format.

He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup.
12:02 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: BCCI Announces Rest of India Squad For Irani Cup
Rest of India squad (Irani Cup): Rajat Patidar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain
11:30 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Head Injury to Prasidh Krishna
India pacer Prasidh Krishna retired hurt on the second day of the unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Lucknow after being diagnosed with a concussion. He was hit on the helmet while facing Australia A’s Henry Thornton.

Krishna initially returned to continue his innings after completing the mandatory concussion protocol but later felt unwell and had to leave the field. His condition now casts doubt on his participation in India’s first Test against the West Indies, starting on October 2.
11:11 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: All eyes on Captain Shubman Gill
All eyes are on Shubman Gill as he prepares for his first home series as India’s Test captain.

While the core of the squad seems set, a few positions remain uncertain, keeping the speculation alive.

Who will earn a place in Gill’s new-look lineup? Fans and experts have been eagerly guessing — and today, the answers will be finally revealed.
10:51 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Rishabh Pant to miss out
Rishabh Pant, India’s Test vice-captain, is set to miss the West Indies series starting October 2 as his recovery from a fractured foot sustained in England has not progressed enough for a timely return, per multiple reports on September 22-23.

Pant broke his foot during the Manchester Test in July and has been rehabbing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, with no clearance yet to resume batting or keeping, making an October comeback unlikely.
09:54 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: India’s Middle Order Dilemma
India’s selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to announce the squad for the home Test series against the West Indies today. One of the biggest talking points is Karun Nair, who made a comeback to the Test side during the England tour after almost eight years.

Nair played four Tests in England but managed just one fifty, which came in the final match at The Oval. While he showed glimpses of his talent in other innings, he was unable to convert starts into big scores. This leaves the selection committee with a tough decision: persist with the experienced Nair or offer an opportunity to younger talent like Devdutt Padikkal.
09:12 (IST) Sep 25
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Squad to be announced today
The Indian cricket team’s squad for the upcoming home Tests against the West Indies is set to be revealed today. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel will address the media, giving fans a first look at who has made the cut.

The announcement had been scheduled for Wednesday but was pushed back to today. Cricket enthusiasts are keen to see which players have earned a spot and who has been left out. The press conference is expected to shed light on the panel’s strategy for the two-match series at home.
19:49 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Latest update!
It is conveyed that the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies will be announced on Thursday. Ajit Agarkar and his selection panel are expected to reveal the 15-member squad at a press conference, ending speculation over potential inclusions.

With fitness updates, form concerns, and balance of the squad under discussion, all eyes will be on the selectors’ choices.

The announcement will provide clarity on India’s preparations for the Caribbean challenge, with attention on who makes the cut in batting and bowling departments.

The squad unveiling tomorrow is now the key talking point.
18:20 (IST) Sep 24
Poll
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Should Jasprit Bumrah be rested for the series?
17:37 (IST) Sep 24
India Test squad LIVE Updates: Have you seen the latest ICC T20I rankings?
Indian stars Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, and Abhishek Sharma maintained their top spots in the latest ICC T20 rankings.

Chakravarthy strengthened his lead as the No.1 bowler, while Pandya stayed atop the all-rounders’ list, also improving his bowling rank. Abhishek retained his place as top batter with knocks of 38 against Oman and 74 versus Pakistan.

Tilak Varma rose to third in batting, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav edged closer to the top five.

Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and Sahibzada Farhan made significant jumps, while Hussain Talat leapt an astonishing 1474 places. Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman and Saif Hassan also climbed impressively.
16:12 (IST) Sep 24
India Test squad LIVE Updates: Manav Suthar to come in?
Manav Suthar is widely reported to being in contention for a Test call-up for the West Indies series. The left-arm spinner has impressed selectors during the ongoing India A vs Australia A four-day match.

Suthar, a Rajasthan spinner, claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the match. 23-year-old Suthar has featured in 23 first-class games and taken 95 wickets. With Ravindra Jadeja already in the Test setup, it would be a great arm around the shoulders to be nurtured for the future.
15:36 (IST) Sep 24
India Test squad LIVE Updates: What's happening in Lucknow?
On Day 2 of the second unofficial Test between India A vs Australia A, India A trail by 263 runs, reaching 157/7 in reply to Australia A's 420 all out.

Sai Sudharsan is unbeaten on 47 with Prasidh Krishna batting alongside him on 15. Narayan Jagadeesan, who had travelled to England as replacement for Rishabh Pant, had scored 38. Henry Thornton is the leading wicket-taker (3/30).
14:42 (IST) Sep 24
India Test squad LIVE: Abhishek Sharma to come into the ODIs?
Side stepping briefly to inform our readers that TimesofIndia.com's Pratyush Raj has reported that the Indian cricket team could spot a new look opening slot in Australia with Abhishek Sharma, the leading scorer in the Asia Cup, expected to come into the ODI setup as well. The big question now is who makes way if Abhishek does come in? It will be interesting to see that space.
13:37 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad LIVE Updates: Squad announcement today
The Indian squad for the upcoming home Tests against the West Indies is set to be announced today.

The selection panel, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will reveal the squad and address the media in a press conference from Dubai on Wednesday, September 24.
12:53 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Planning, leadership and mindset
Sammy revealed he has been working closely with captain Roston Chase over the past six weeks during the CPL, analysing data and mapping out clear roles for each player.

“The ten days leading up to the first Test will be crucial as we drill strategies,” he explained.

The 41-year-old emphasised preparation, clarity, and a strong winning mentality.

“We’re not going down there just thinking, ‘oh, it’s India.’ We’re going with the mindset to win,” Sammy said. By blending disciplined execution with lessons learned from New Zealand, West Indies aim to end their 42-year drought in India.
12:09 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad LIVE Updates: New Zealand example a source of inspiration
Sammy urged his side to emulate New Zealand’s blueprint, after the Kiwis’ 3-0 success against India last year.

“New Zealand went there and did incredibly well and that we should take inspiration from,” Sammy said.

He highlighted that while the lengths remain consistent worldwide, subtle adjustments in fuller or shorter deliveries could prove decisive in Indian conditions. The coach said he takes “smile-inducing confidence” from the West Indies attack’s performances over the past year, confident they can replicate the Kiwi model.

The second Test of the series will be held in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from October 10.
11:34 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Sammy backs pace variety for India Tests
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his team’s seam attack has the “variety” to take 20 wickets in Indian conditions. With Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, and all-rounder Justin Greaves, Sammy feels the squad possesses unique options.

“Shamar is skiddy, Jayden swings both ways, Alzarri brings bounce. We have a bowling line-up capable of striking anywhere,” he said.

Sammy stressed that the key in India would be sticking to consistent lengths while capitalising on each bowler’s strengths, as taking 20 wickets is crucial to staying competitive in the two-Test series starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.
10:45 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad LIVE Updates: Will Jasprit Bumrah play the West Indies Tests?
Team India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has provided a clear update on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2.

Speaking ahead of India’s Asia Cup Super Four clash against Bangladesh, ten Doeschate dismissed any speculation about the star pacer being rested.

“It’s unlikely that Bumrah will be rested. He’s set to play the West Indies Tests. We’ve got important matches coming up, and it’s good for him to keep playing and get more match time,” the former Netherlands all-rounder said.

Bumrah, who has been in fine rhythm since his return from injury, is expected to spearhead India’s attack when the series begins at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2. The second and final Test will follow at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10.

With a long international calendar ahead, including the start of the new World Test Championship cycle, Bumrah’s presence is seen as critical for India’s bowling depth and consistency.
09:57 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Shreyas Iyer’s status
Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, absent from India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A, remains in contention for the West Indies series. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel led India A in his absence. A source confirmed, “Shreyas remains in fray for a spot in the middle-order when the selectors meet to pick the squad for the West Indies series.”
09:53 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad LIVE Updates: Unbeaten run in Asia Cup
While India remain unbeaten in the Asia Cup, Doeschate admitted there is room for improvement.

“We were a bit scrappy against Pakistan. We weren’t clinical enough. Abu Dhabi wasn’t ideal — it took us longer to travel and recover. Shubman also didn’t get the preparation he wanted,” he said.

The assistant coach stressed that the team is focusing on refining performance rather than resting players unnecessarily.

Doeschate also addressed India’s approach to squad rotation. “We tried giving everyone a chance against Oman. In bilateral series, you can test bench strength, but in the Asia Cup it’s more difficult,” he said. His comments indicate that while rotation is considered, the team will largely field its best XI to maintain winning momentum.
09:20 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Workload management
Bumrah’s workload management has been closely monitored since the England tour.

Doeschate believes that participating in Asia Cup matches can actually serve as good preparation for the red-ball series.

“He’s probably going to bowl a few overs in all the games and bowl in the region of 25-26 overs with the training and preparation going into the game, which is a fairly good number the week before a Test,” he explained.

This suggests that India intends to balance Bumrah’s workload while keeping him match-ready.
09:19 (IST) Sep 24
India Test Squad LIVE Updates: Bumrah set to feature
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has clarified doubts surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies.

With the series starting on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test in Delhi from October 10, speculation had grown over whether India would rest their premier pacer.

“It’s unlikely that Bumrah will be rested. He’s set to play the West Indies Tests. We’ve got important matches coming up, and it’s good for him to keep playing and get more match time,” Doeschate said.
23:53 (IST) Sep 23
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: BIG UPDATE!
The squad for the West Indies Tests will be announced tomorrow.

The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will hold a press conference from Dubai on Wednesday, September 24.

Timing to be announced.
23:51 (IST) Sep 23
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Who will be the wicketkeepers?
If the England Test series is to be taken as a precedent, then Dhruv Jurel will be maintaining wicketkeeping duties.

He replaced the injured Rishabh Pant, with understudy N Jagadeesan.

The duo are likely to be the pick for the West Indies series as well.
22:33 (IST) Sep 23
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Big tournament for Gill
Shubman Gill, after the thrilling conclusion to the Engalnd series, will play his first-ever home series as India's skipper against West Indies next month.

While Team India successfully braved conditions on foreign soil, it will be a whole different game back home.

It will be exciting to see how the new skipper, who still has just 5 matches under his belt, will fare in home conditions.

India's last home Test series ended devastatingly bad for Gautam Gambhir's men, where New Zealand whitewashed them 3-0.
20:15 (IST) Sep 23
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna off the mark
At the end of play on Day 1, both Siraj and Prasidh Krishna had claimed a wicket each in the 2nd unofficial Test.

Siraj is more or less a certainty when the squad will be announced.

Prashidh Krishna too, is highly likely to be included given the fact that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the 1st Test vs West Indies.
19:30 (IST) Sep 23
India Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: Is Karun Nair's time up?
After picking up an injury in the England Test series, Karun Nair completely recovered around 2 weeks back. The batter had picked up a minor fracture on his finger, but then cleared fitness requirements at the CoE.

While it was frustrating to see him not get to a massive score barring a crucial half-century in the 5th Test on Day 1, it may not bode well for him this time around.

Is it the end of the road in the Test set-up for the 33-year-old? Only time will tell.
19 More Updates
India Squad Announcement For West Indies Tests Live: A fit-again Karun Nair is set to be a focal point in discussions when the Ajit Agarkar-led panel meets virtually to pick India’s 15-player squad for the two-Test series against the West Indies. Despite modest returns in England, Nair’s prior performances, including a vital half-century at The Oval, keep him in contention. His main rival for a middle-order slot is Nitish Reddy, who is now fit and part of the India A squad.

The first Test will be in Ahmedabad from October 2-6, with the second in New Delhi from October 10-14. Top-order batters Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill are automatic picks, while Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets as Rishabh Pant recovers. Selection depends on whether India play an extra batter or a batting all-rounder, and on the composition of spinners (Jadeja, Kuldeep, Sundar) and pacers (Siraj, Prasidh Krishna).

Reserves include Narayan Jagadeesan as second wicketkeeper or third opener, with Devdutt Padikkal and possibly Shreyas Iyer in contention for the extra batter slot. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the squad announcement will be made by September 23 or 24. The West Indies have recalled experienced batsmen Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, and added spinner Khary Pierre, while Gudakesh Motie is rested.