India squad: Bumrah back, Karun axed

As India banks on youth to shape its Test future, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan have been trusted with long runs, while seasoned names like Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran have been shown the door. At the same time, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been declared fit and available for both home Tests against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.

The 15-member squad, announced by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar in Dubai on Thursday, carries a clear message India is preparing for the future while ensuring its strongest performers remain at the core. Ravindra Jadeja has been elevated to vice-captain in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is expected to return only during the South Africa series in November.

Bumrah ready for full workload

Bumrah’s presence provides India with a major boost in the pace department. Agarkar confirmed that the fast bowler, who last played in the Asia Cup, has had enough rest since the England series and is eager to play both matches.

“This squad is for both Test matches, and Bumrah is available for both,” Agarkar said. “He’s had a good break since the England tour and is ready to go.”

Harsh call on Karun, Easwaran

The selectors’ toughest calls came at the top. Karun Nair, remembered for his triple century in 2016, has struggled to replicate that brilliance. His one fifty in eight innings during the England tour proved costly, with Agarkar noting, “We expected a little more from him.”

For Easwaran, the disappointment runs deeper. Despite shadowing the Test side for nearly four years, the Bengal opener never found a place in the playing XI. With no overseas tours on the horizon, his Test debut appears unlikely. “At the moment, we don’t need a third opener just sitting out,” Agarkar explained, adding that N Jagadeesan is being looked at as a backup option.

Pant to return in South Africa

Pant’s absence means Jadeja will serve as deputy to captain Shubman Gill against the West Indies. However, Agarkar stressed that Pant remains central to India’s long-term plans and is expected to return for the South Africa Tests. That series will also feature three ODIs and five T20Is, concluding in December.

Shami’s future uncertain

The update was less encouraging on veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Agarkar admitted he had no clarity on his fitness and hinted that his red-ball future may be in doubt given his limited domestic appearances.

India’s squad vs West Indies

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.