IND vs WI Test squad announcement live updates: Karun Nair or new number 3?

As the anticipation builds for India’s official squad announcement for the upcoming home Test series against West Indies, a likely picture of the lineup is already taking shape. Shubman Gill is set to lead in his first home assignment as captain, with Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to partner him at the top. KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan add depth in the middle order, while Karun Nair could mark a stunning comeback.

Behind the stumps, Dhruv Jurel seems the frontrunner, while the all-rounder spots might go to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Kuldeep Yadav offers the spin variety, and the pace attack looks settled with Mohammed Siraj and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Here's our prediction:

Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.

Bench: N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Devdutt Padikkal

Despite a relatively inexperienced pace attack, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami is unlikely to be recalled for the upcoming series. Shami has not featured in a Test match since the 2023 World Test Championship final and missed tours of Australia and England due to injury. Although he played in India’s Champions Trophy campaign in February, reports suggest that selectors and team management have concerns about his physical readiness to handle the demands of five-day cricket.

This development means India will once again rely on its emerging pacers to lead the attack, testing the depth and resilience of the bowling unit ahead of the series.

India’s first-choice wicketkeeper–batter is expected to sit out the upcoming series as he continues his recovery from the leg injury sustained during the England tour. This opens the door for fresh talent to step up and make an impact.

Dhruv Jurel, who impressed behind the stumps in the final Test at The Oval, is expected to don the gloves. His recent performance for India A, including a standout 140 against Australia A in Lucknow, has made a strong case for a starting spot.

Meanwhile, N Jagadeesan, brought in as a backup during the England series, is likely to remain in the squad as the reserve wicketkeeper. His versatility also provides India with the option of strengthening the top order if needed.

With Jurel ready to take centre stage and Jagadeesan providing dependable cover, India’s wicketkeeping department looks well-prepared despite the absence of their first-choice keeper.

All eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Test squad announcement approaches. With a packed international schedule leading up to next year’s T20 World Cup, fans have been speculating whether the pace ace might get some rest.

But India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has dropped a hint: Bumrah is likely to be included. While he might sit out the Asia Cup Super Four stage, there’s a strong chance he’ll feature in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium—even with a quick turnaround from the Asia Cup final.

It’s a tricky balancing act. India have five T20Is in Australia (Oct–Nov), another five against South Africa (Nov–Dec), and two Tests in South Africa. Can Bumrah handle the workload? Only time will tell.

All eyes will be on Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar as he is set to reveal India’s Test squad during a press interaction in Dubai on Wednesday, 24 September, just before India’s Asia Cup Super Four clash against Bangladesh.

Speculation is rife about how the squad will come together for Shubman Gill’s first home series as captain. While India has a largely settled Test unit with many positions nearly locked in, a few key spots remain open for discussion, keeping fans and analysts guessing.

It’s a new era for Indian Test cricket. For the first time in over a decade, the team will take the field without legends Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin, all of whom retired following the England Tests. The fresh crop, led by Shubman Gill, impressed everyone by drawing the five-match series in England 2–2. Riding high on that confidence, they’ll look to exploit a West Indies side that has struggled on foreign soil.

Stay tuned as we track the squad announcements, key picks, and all the latest updates live from the selection room!

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