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

One of the major talking points was how India has lacked the quality of fast-bowling depth. While they have plenty of options across other facets, this remains something that could be key in the long run. There will be days when Bumrah or Siraj might not be fit, and they need to start giving some of the newer faces in the Test team, like Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana, a go in this series.

India look solid at the top with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul holding the fort, and Shubman Gill is set at No. 4 after his record-breaking exploits in England. But the No. 3 spot? That’s still giving the selectors a headache.

Since Cheteshwar Pujara’s omission, India have been experimenting. Gill tried it, didn’t quite click. Karun Nair got his chance, but couldn’t make an impression. Sai Sudharsan showed flashes of brilliance in England, yet couldn’t turn starts into big scores.

Could India stick with Sudharsan for the home series against West Indies, banking on familiar conditions to finally unlock his potential?

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.

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