Yashasvi Jaiswal to Shubman Gill: Indian stars to watch out for in West Indies Test series

Team India all set to take on WI [Source: AFP]

Team India is all set to face West Indies in a two-match Test series, with the first Test starting at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2. India have announced their squad with Shubman Gill as captain and Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain, as Rishabh Pant remains sidelined with a foot injury. 

While most of the squad remains unchanged, newcomers Devdutt Padikkal and N. Jagadeesan have been included. The 15-member squad features Dhruv Jurel and Jagadeesan as wicketkeepers. Notably, this series marks Shubman Gill’s first as a Test captain in India.

So, as they gear up for the highly anticipated series, several Indian players are particularly worth watching.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill comes into this series in top form, following a stellar tour of England both as a player and captain. Notably, Gill will lead India in the two-match Test series against West Indies at home and will look to continue his impressive run in red-ball cricket. 

(Gill's stats in ENG Tests)

Gill scored 754 runs in 10 innings during England tour, maintaining an average of 75.40 with a strike rate of 65.57. His consistency and ability to dominate the top order make him a key player to watch in this series.

Axar Patel

Although Axar Patel did not get a chance to feature in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, he could turn things around if given an opportunity in this upcoming series. His record at home makes him a strong contender for the playing XI. 

In 12 home Tests, Axar has scored 594 runs and taken 47 wickets, showing his value as a genuine all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, especially when paired with Kuldeep Yadav, adds depth to India’s lineup. If given a chance, Axar could be a game-changer in the series.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal

The young left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to open with KL Rahul for India in the series agianst WI. Notably, Jaiswal has been in excellent form in red-ball cricket and made a strong impression during the five-match Test series against England, where he scored 411 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 68.72 and an average of 41.10.

(Yashasvi Jaiswal's Test record in India)

In Tests at home, he has scored 1,091 runs in 10 matches, including 2 centuries and 7 fifties, with an average of 60.61 and a strike rate of 76.29. His aggressive style at the top of the order can provide explosive starts, making him a must-watch player against West Indies.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav comes into the series fresh off being the highest wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2025. He did not play in the five-match Test series in England, but now gets the opportunity to shine in favourable home conditions. 

In his 13 Test matches so far, Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets at an economy of 3.55, including four five-wicket hauls. With the pitches likely to favour spin, Kuldeep has the chance to make a major impact in this series.

Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan struggled to meet expectations during the England tour, but he is likely to get another chance in this series, possibly batting at No. 3. In the England series, he scored 140 runs in 6 innings. However, his recent performance in the Australia A vs India A series was promising, scoring 248 runs in 3 innings at home. 

(Sai Sudharsan's impressive First-Class cricket record)

Notably, his first-class record is also impressive, with 2,345 runs in 58 innings, including 8 centuries and 8 fifties. This series could be his chance to redeem himself and show his talent on home soil. With favorable home conditions, Sudharsan has the opportunity to shine against West Indies.

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