After the ongoing Test series against England in 2025, India’s next Test series will be against the West Indies in India. This series comprises two Test matches scheduled to be played in October 2025, with matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on October 10 and October 14, 2025.
Following the England tour in the UK, which has seen five Test matches from June to August 2025 as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle 2025-27, the Indian team returns home to host the West Indies in a two-Test series. Beyond that, in November 2025, India will host South Africa in a two-match Test series as well.
Shubman Gill’s young brigade has fought valiantly in this England assignment. Despite not having stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the Indian team has showcased grit and passion. Although they are trailing the series 1-2 and may lose it eventually, the early signs for the team looks promising.
But the team management may reflect on the selections ahead of the West Indies Test series. There have been a couple of performance and injury-related issues which may prompt the Indian team to overlook a few players in that series. Abhimanyu Easwaran, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav didn’t get a single game in England, and the trio maybe handed game time in the home assignment against the Caribbean side. Here are four players India may not pick for the West Indies Tests-
Karun Nair
Despite getting an elongated chance for India in England, Karun Nair’s prolific domestic run has failed to materialize in international cricket. Nair had four matches in the tour, in which, he only amassed 205 runs, with a paltry average of 21.83, decorated with a solitary half-century. The veteran’s poor show in the middle order (top order as well) has thwarted India from capitalizing and eventually played part in their defeats. Hence, as West Indies comes to the country, Nair’s place in the side looks tough at the moment.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur’s England tour has been an inconsistent one, just like his selection in the team. The all-rounder played 2 matches and picked up only two wickets. His only telling contribution came with the bat when he scored a gritty 41 in the 4th Test. With home conditions against Windies, Thakur will be down the pecking order and is set to be omitted.
Anshul Kamboj
Anshul Kamboj’s selection for the England series came midway due to impending injury scares to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. The Haryana pacer made his debut in the 4th Test and was largely unimpressive. He conceded at almost 5 runs per over and could manage only 1 wicket. Although judging Kamboj after just one match will be extremely unfair, the selectors may think differently and drop the pacer for the West Indies tour.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management has been a key focus for the Indian team. The pacer was excellent in the England series but could only play 3 matches due to his situation. With West Indies coming at home, Bumrah will surely be rested for the upcoming assignments. Before the West Indies Tests, India will play in the Asia Cup, and if he features there, the selectors won’t risk the premier pacer for the series.
Other Players who may not be part of the Series
N Jagadeesan: Came in as Rishabh Pant replacement and may not be picked for the West Indies tour.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Left home after an injury during gym session. He requires a lengthy period for recovery and that may keep the all-rounder out of the side.
Rishabh Pant: Rishabh suffered a fractured foot and was left out subsequently. The India vice-captain may recover when West Indies arrives, but it will depend on the selectors’ thoughts as they may be tempted to rest him and keep him fresh for the South Africa series immediately after that.