Fresh from their Asia Cup 2025 triumph, India wasted no time turning focus to the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as they began preparations for the opening Test against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With less than two days between the Asia Cup final and the red-ball challenge, the squad, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, hit the nets for an intense three-hour session.

While seniors Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel were rested, the rest of the squad, including new Test captain Shubman Gill, were put through a demanding workout. The session began with catching drills and warm-ups before players moved into extended net practice.

Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, returning from India A duty, bowled with sharp intensity for nearly 45 minutes, testing the batters under match-like conditions. Shubman Gill, preparing for his first home Test as full-time captain, faced a stiff challenge against deliveries seaming away and bouncing off the surface, but his determination was evident.

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At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul looked solid, stitching together a fluent partnership in the nets, while young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel impressed with crisp stroke play.

The middle order too showed promise, with B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal catching the eye of the management. Their performances add intrigue to the selection puzzle, as the team debates the extra batter’s slot. Padikkal’s form makes him a strong contender, but Reddy’s dual skills with bat and ball could tilt the balance, especially on an Ahmedabad pitch that promises bounce and grass cover.

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With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar set to feature, India’s depth and flexibility give them plenty of options heading into the Test opener.

India’s squad for West Indies Test series 2025: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (WK), Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav