ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India, to be staged in Ahmedabad and Delhi from October 2–14.
The contests will mark the Caribbean side’s first away challenge of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle and their first red-ball tour of India since 2018.
Fresh faces and bold inclusions
Three changes have been made from the squad that recently faced Australia. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze return to strengthen the top order, while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has earned a maiden Test call-up after topping the wicket charts in the West Indies Championship with 41 scalps at an average of 13.56.
Selectors have chosen to rest frontline spinner Gudakesh Motie, mindful of his workload ahead of a demanding white-ball calendar, highlighted by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup early next year.
Sammy: “We must be committed to our brand”
Head coach Daren Sammy welcomed the challenge of facing one of the world’s strongest sides in their own conditions.
“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions,” Sammy said. “This will be our second series together as a Test team, but we have already shown what we are capable of once we are committed to our brand and the team’s plans.”
He explained the rationale behind key selections: “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling. Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions.”
Bascombe: A deliberate and strategic approach
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized that squad selection was shaped by both performance and suitability to conditions.
“Our approach continues to be calculated and deliberate,” Bascombe said. “We consider the opposition, the playing conditions, and the skill sets required to succeed. The inclusion of players has therefore been guided not only by recent performances, but also by identifying who within our pool is best suited to deliver positive results on these surfaces, against this quality of opposition.
“At the same time, we remain focused on building continuity and depth in our Test squad as we aim to compete consistently throughout this World Test Championship cycle.”
Preparations and schedule
The team departs the Caribbean on September 22 and will arrive in Ahmedabad on September 24 to finalize preparations ahead of the opening Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
West Indies Squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
Full tour schedule
- 1st Test: October 2–6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- 2nd Test: October 10–14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
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