7 players dropped from India’s squad for West Indies series despite featuring in the England Tests

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Following their hard-fought Test series against England, the Indian selectors have made several changes to the squad for the upcoming home two-match red ball series against the West Indies starting on October 2. The decision has seen several players who were part of the England tour dropped or given new assignments, with their performances and future plans being the key factors behind the selection calls.

1. Karun Nair

Karun Nair‘s much-anticipated comeback to the Test team after eight years did not go as planned. In the four Tests he played against England, he managed to score 205 runs at a disappointing average of 25.62, with his highest score being 57 at The Oval. Despite showing flashes of form with scores in the 30s and 40s, he consistently failed to convert his starts into big scores. His overall returns were deemed insufficient by the selectors, who opted to give an opportunity to an in-form batsman like Devdutt Padikkal for the home series.

2. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur was part of the Test squad in England but did not get a chance to play in the series. His non-selection for the West Indies series is a strategic decision by the selectors. While Thakur is a capable all-rounder, the team management is likely looking at different options for the pace-bowling all-rounder slot. Given the home conditions, the selectors may have felt that other players, or a different combination, would be more suitable against the West Indies.

3. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant‘s absence from the squad for the West Indies series is solely due to injury. He suffered a foot fracture on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Manchester while attempting a reverse sweep. The injury ruled him out of the rest of the match and the subsequent final Test. Pant is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, undergoing rehabilitation. The BCCI’s medical team is monitoring his recovery, and no timeline has been set for his return, ensuring his place is not under threat when he is fit.

4. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran was a part of the Indian Test squad in England but did not feature in the playing XI. While his exclusion from the main squad for the West Indies series might seem like a demotion, it is a strategic move to provide him with much-needed match practice. Instead of warming the bench, Easwaran has been named in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, an assignment that will give him valuable time in the middle against top domestic opponents.

Also READ: BCCI announces India A squads for One-Day series against Australia A, Rest of India squad for Irani Cup 2025

5. Anshul Kamboj

Similar to other reserves on the England tour, Anshul Kamboj did not get an opportunity to make his Test debut. He was part of the squad to provide cover and gain exposure to the international environment. His non-selection for the West Indies series is part of the selectors’ plan to give him valuable playing time in domestic cricket. He has been named in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, where he will be looking to perform well and push for a spot in the main squad in the future.

6. Akash Deep

Akash Deep was a reserve bowler in the Test squad in England but was not included in the playing XI. His non-selection for the main squad for the West Indies series is a decision aimed at ensuring he gets regular match practice. The selectors have included him in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, where he will get a chance to lead the pace attack and prove his readiness for the highest level.

7. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, who was part of the Test squad as a reserve bowler in England, did not get to play. His non-selection for the main squad against the West Indies is also a strategic call. Instead, the selectors have named him in the India A squad for the second and third one-day matches against Australia A. This decision is aimed at preparing him for the demands of international cricket and fine-tuning his skills in the white-ball format.

Also READ: BCCI unveils India’s squad for the Test series against West Indies; Devdutt Padikkal returns