After a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the five-Test series against England, Team India is set to begin their home campaign against the West Indies in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The two-Test series kicks off on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with the second Test scheduled in Delhi from October 10. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India will look to start the new cycle on a strong note, with several changes expected in the playing XI.

One of the key inclusions could be veteran all-rounder Axar Patel, who missed the England series but has a strong record on Indian pitches. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a likely starter. Another exciting addition could be Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a century in the unofficial Test against Australia A and is being seen as a replacement for the dropped Karun Nair. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to continue as India’s openers, with Sai Sudarshan taking charge at number three. Skipper Shubman Gill will anchor the middle order, supported by Padikkal.

With Rishabh Pant still recovering from injury, Dhruv Jurel will once again don the wicketkeeping gloves, having impressed during the England series. In the all-round department, India looks solid with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel providing depth. The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, while the spin trio ensures balance in Indian conditions.

India’s probable playing XI for the first Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj.