The India vs. West Indies Test series in October 2025 will be compelling. The West Indies has a new team with both experienced players and fresh talent. Cricket West Indies decided to drop Kraigg Brathwaite, their former captain, because of his recent poor form. They have also brought back Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze to help their batting against India’s strong spin attack.
The key addition is Khary Pierre. He is a 33-year-old left-arm spinner. It is his first Test call-up. He excelled in the West Indies Championship, taking 41 wickets. His average was 13.56.
This India vs. West Indies Test series is the first time the West Indies have played away from home in the new World Test Championship cycle. It is also the first time they have played a Test match in India since 2018. Roston Chase’s young team will be tested against one of the world’s best teams.
Table of Contents
Strategic Squad Changes for Indian Conditions
Brathwaite’s Omission and Batting Reinforcements
West Indies dropped Kraigg Brathwaite after his poor series. It seems they’re experimenting with their batting order, especially against India’s tricky spin.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul is back and will probably open the batting with John Campbell. It will give a top-order experience and technical stability. Alick Athanaze, a middle-order batter, is also called back because he is good against spin bowling. He last played in the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025.
Head coach Daren Sammy explained the reasoning behind these changes: “Given our recent struggles, Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s return is expected to help turn the tide at the top of the order. Alick Athanaze was added because of his abilities against spin bowling. For the first time, Khary is included as our second spinner under circumstances that should be beneficial”.
This strategic approach focuses on players skilled for India, going beyond recent statistics to find those who can handle subcontinental challenges.
Spin Bowling Additions
The most notable bowling change for the West Indies in the India vs. West Indies test series is the addition of Khary Pierre as the second specialist spinner, joining vice-captain Jomel Warrican. Pierre’s selection was inevitable due to his outstanding domestic performance, which included a record-breaking 41 wickets at an average of 13.56 in the West Indies Championship.
The visitors, who have chosen to rest Gudakesh Motie for this series in anticipation of the upcoming T20 World Cup early next year, now have a new option in the 33-year-old left-arm spinner.
“Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions,” said Sammy, underscoring the significance of Pierre’s inclusion.
Miles Bascombe, the Director of Cricket, highlighted that this selection shows a strategic approach to the squad, carefully considering the opposing team and the field’s conditions.
West Indies Squad
Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican, 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
Challenge of Indian Conditions
Historical Context and Previous Experience
Since they haven’t played Test cricket in India in 2018, the visiting team faces a tough challenge in the India vs. West Indies Test series.
That prior touring group included just four members of the current team: Jomel Warrican, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, and Rocky Chase.
Their relative inexperience will put the younger players’ abilities to the test in Indian conditions, especially when facing an Indian squad that just drew an exciting series with England.
Approach to Subcontinental Challenges
“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge, and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions,” said head coach Daren Sammy, acknowledging the challenges of playing in India. The West Indies think tank’s selection strategy has been directly impacted by this understanding of the unique requirements of Asian pitches, especially their propensity to favor spin bowling as games go on.
Despite the difficult task, the team’s leadership seems assured of their preparations. “This will be our second series together as a test team, but we have already demonstrated what we are capable of as a unit once we are committed to our brand and team plans,” Sammy continued.
Squad Composition and Balance
Batting Attacks
Promising newcomers and seasoned campaigners are mixed together in the chosen squad:
- Top Order: Kevlon Anderson will likely be a backup, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell at the top. With 560 runs from 10 Test matches, including a century and a half, Chanderpaul brings experience to the table.
- Middle Order: Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Brandon King, and captain Roston Chase are back, along with Alick Athanaze. Athanaze’s most recent Test match was against Pakistan in January 2025, and he has amassed 627 runs at an average of 25.08 in 25 innings.
Keeping options are offered by Shai Hope and Tevin Imlach, with Hope probably taking the gloves due to his more experience.
Bowling Attack
For Indian conditions, the bowling unit combines spin and pace options:
- Spin Department: Vice-captain Jomel Warrican is in charge of the spin department, which is bolstered by captain Roston Chase’s part-time off-spin and newcomer Khary Pierre as the second specialist spinner.
- Pace Attack: With Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, and the dynamic Shamar Joseph at his sides, Alzarri Joseph leads the charge. This quartet provides a variety of control options, swing, and raw pace.
Last Words
The West Indies’ first away match of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle is the October 2025 Test series against India. The West Indies team, captained by Roston Chase, has made some significant additions.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have been called up to improve their batting against spin. Khary Pierre, a left-arm spinner, also received his first Test call-up.
On October 2, 2025, the two-match series will start in Ahmedabad, with the second Test taking place in Delhi from October 10–14. The last time the West Indies visited India for a Test series was in 2018. In the difficult Indian conditions of the new WTC cycle, this series offers the West Indies a vital early test.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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