🏏 West Indies Announce 15-Member Squad for India Tests – Athanaze & Chanderpaul Recalled
🌍 West Indies Set Their Sights on India 2025
The West Indies cricket team news has taken center stage after the selectors announced a 15-member squad for the India vs West Indies Test series 2025. Scheduled to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad, the two-Test series promises to be a defining challenge for the Caribbean side, especially with former captain Kraigg Brathwaite missing out for the first time in years.
In a bold move, selectors have turned to Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, two batters considered technically strong against spin, signaling West Indies’ intent to tackle India’s spin-friendly conditions with a revamped top order.
🚨 Kraigg Brathwaite Omitted – End of an Era?
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the omission of Kraigg Brathwaite, who has represented West Indies in 100 Tests.
- Brathwaite was dropped during the final Test against Australia earlier this year, a series that ended 0-3 in favor of the Aussies.
- His declining form and struggles against spin seem to have forced selectors to look at fresh options.
- Cricket experts suggest this could mark the transition phase of West Indies cricket, with younger batters expected to take charge.
The move has sparked debate among fans—while some feel Brathwaite’s experience is invaluable, others believe it’s time to back younger players who can adapt to modern conditions.
🧑🏫 Emergency Review – The Role of Legends
Following the disastrous 0-3 series defeat to Australia, an emergency review was conducted involving greats like Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara.
This review influenced the squad’s rebuilding process, leading to:
- The omission of players like Keacy Carty, Johann Layne, and Mikyle Louis.
- An emphasis on players with proven abilities against spin bowling.
- The inclusion of specialists like Khary Pierre, who has been dominating domestic red-ball cricket.
🔄 Key Recalls – Athanaze & Chanderpaul Strengthen the Top Order
🏏 Alick Athanaze – Spin Specialist
- Last played against Pakistan earlier this year.
- Known for his positive batting against spin, a much-needed skill on Indian pitches.
- Offers stability in the middle order alongside Shai Hope.
🏏 Tagenarine Chanderpaul – Solid Opener Returns
- Last featured in January 2024 against Australia.
- Expected to open the innings with John Campbell.
- Son of legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine brings grit, patience, and a technique suited for long Test innings.
Both players are seen as crucial in combating India’s deadly spin attack led by Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel.
🌪️ Khary Pierre – Spin Weapon in Subcontinental Conditions
Another exciting inclusion is Khary Pierre, the left-arm spinner who has been rewarded for his outstanding domestic season:
- Claimed 41 wickets at an average of 13.56 in the West Indies Championship.
- Yet to make his Test debut, but selectors see him as an ideal second spinner alongside vice-captain Jomel Warrican.
- His role will be pivotal on spin-friendly pitches in Ahmedabad and Delhi.
With Gudakesh Motie rested for workload management, Pierre has a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact.
👨✈️ Leadership Group – Roston Chase Takes the Helm
With Brathwaite out, the leadership duties fall on:
- Roston Chase (Captain): An experienced all-rounder who can steady the batting and provide spin.
- Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain): Trusted spinner with leadership potential, offering support in both bowling strategy and team management.
This leadership change signals a new direction for West Indies cricket, focusing on a balanced mix of youth and experience.
📋 Full West Indies Test Squad vs India 2025
- Roston Chase (c)
- Jomel Warrican (vc)
- Kevlon Anderson
- Alick Athanaze
- John Campbell
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Justin Greaves
- Shai Hope
- Tevin Imlach
- Alzarri Joseph
- Shamar Joseph
- Brandon King
- Anderson Phillip
- Khary Pierre
- Jayden Seales
🔑 Strengths of the Squad
- Spin Options – Warrican, Pierre, and Chase form a varied spin attack.
- Fresh Batting Approach – Athanaze and Chanderpaul strengthen the batting unit.
- Pace Depth – Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales bring raw pace.
- Leadership Balance – Chase offers experience while giving youngsters freedom.
⚠️ Weaknesses & Concerns
- Loss of Brathwaite’s Experience – The absence of a 100-Test veteran leaves a leadership gap.
- Inconsistent Batting Line-up – Players like Brandon King and Justin Greaves need to prove themselves in red-ball cricket.
- Inexperienced Spin Attack – Khary Pierre is untested at Test level, while Chase is a part-timer.
- India’s Dominance at Home – West Indies haven’t won a Test in India since 1994.
🏟️ India vs West Indies Test Series 2025 – What to Expect
📍 Venues
- 1st Test: Ahmedabad – October 2
- 2nd Test: Delhi – October 10
🇮🇳 India’s Challenge
India at home are nearly unbeatable in Tests. With world-class spinners and an experienced batting line-up led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the West Indies will face an uphill battle.
🇻🇨 West Indies’ Game Plan
- Survive the new ball against India’s pacers.
- Play spin with discipline and patience.
- Rely on Alzarri and Shamar Joseph to strike early.
📊 Key Points
- West Indies Test squad vs India 2025
- Alick Athanaze recalled West Indies
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul Test comeback
- Kraigg Brathwaite dropped news
- Khary Pierre Test debut chance
- Roston Chase captain West Indies
- India vs West Indies Test series schedule
- Ahmedabad Test 2025 preview
- Delhi Test 2025 news
- Breaking cricket news West Indies squad
🔮 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
At Cricketory, our deep-dive analysis highlights:
- West Indies’ selection shift: Focus on players with strong spin credentials shows they’re preparing smartly for India.
- Khary Pierre’s rise: A domestic performer getting rewarded shows CWI’s intent to back form over reputation.
- Leadership under Chase: A calm leader, but can he inspire consistency? That remains the big question.
- India’s edge: History and home conditions firmly favor India, but West Indies could surprise if their younger batters click.
🌎 Broader Context – Busy Schedule Ahead for West Indies
The India series is just one part of West Indies’ jam-packed calendar:
- T20I series vs Nepal in Sharjah before India Tests.
- Bangladesh white-ball tour (October-November).
- New Zealand full tour (November-December) with 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is.
- T20 World Cup 2026 preparations already on the horizon.
This squad selection reflects a long-term strategy to prepare players for upcoming global tournaments.
🏆 Conclusion – A Fresh Start for West Indies Cricket
The West Indies 15-member squad for India Tests 2025 marks the start of a new chapter. With Brathwaite sidelined, the team is betting on youth, spin specialists, and fresh energy.
- Athanaze and Chanderpaul bring much-needed stability against spin.
- Khary Pierre could become the surprise package.
- Roston Chase’s leadership will be tested like never before.
While the odds are stacked against them in India, the series could serve as a valuable platform for the Caribbean side to rebuild, regroup, and re-emerge as a Test force.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was Kraigg Brathwaite dropped from the West Indies Test squad?
A: Kraigg Brathwaite was omitted due to poor form and struggles against spin, as selectors opted for younger batters better suited to Indian conditions.Q2: Who are the key players recalled for the India vs West Indies Test series 2025?
A: Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were recalled, both known for their solid technique against spin bowling.Q3: Who will captain West Indies in the India Test series 2025?
A: All-rounder Roston Chase has been named captain, with spinner Jomel Warrican serving as vice-captain.Q4: What role will Khary Pierre play in the squad?
A: Khary Pierre, a left-arm spinner who dominated domestic cricket, has been included to strengthen West Indies’ spin department in subcontinental conditions.