Dubai: Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been named in India’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies, while Devdutt Padikkal replaces an out-of-form Karun Nair.
Bumrah, who featured in only three of the five Tests in England due to workload management, has made himself available for the two-match series beginning in Ahmedabad on October 2. The second Test will be played in Delhi from October 10.
Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain, with Shubman Gill leading the side.
“Bumrah is ready and eager to play both Tests against the West Indies,” said Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar. “We always want the best for Bumrah, but the team comes first. We need to manage him carefully with big tournaments on the horizon.”
Regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who fractured his foot during the England series, is still recovering and was unavailable for selection. “Hopefully, he will be fit for the home Tests against South Africa in November,” Agarkar added.
In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan have been included as wicket-keepers.
The South Africa tour will feature two Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati from November 14 to 26, followed by a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series. The tour concludes with the final T20I on December 19.
India Test Squad vs West Indies:
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), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.
