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India Test squad vs West Indies announced: Karun Nair dropped, Ravindra Jadeja named Vice-Captain

BCCI has announced India’s 15-man Test squad for the West Indies series starting October 2. Ravindra Jadeja is vice-captain, Karun Nair dropped, while Jasprit Bumrah retains his place. Details on squad, schedule, and key inclusions.

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India Test squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, scheduled to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad, followed by the second match in Delhi from October 10-14.

Ravindra Jadeja to Lead in Pant’s Absence

With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to a fracture, Ravindra Jadeja has been named the vice-captain for both matches. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed hope that Pant would recover in time for India’s home series against South Africa later this year.

“Rishabh Pant is not fit for the West Indies series, but we hope he will be available for the home Tests against South Africa,” said Agarkar.

Key Inclusions and Omissions

  • Karun Nair Dropped: Karun Nair has been left out following low returns during India’s England tour earlier this year.
  • Devdutt Padikkal Returns: Padikkal, who impressed with a 150-run knock for India A against Australia A, makes a comeback.
  • Jasprit Bumrah Retained: Despite concerns over workload, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the squad. Agarkar clarified that discussions around Bumrah’s fitness would continue, prioritizing both the player and team welfare.
  • No Ishan Kishan: Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan is included as the second designated wicketkeeper, with Ishan Kishan omitted due to fitness and performance considerations.
  • No Sarfaraz Khan: The selectors again overlooked Sarfaraz Khan, who recently underwent a strict weight-loss regimen.

India A and Young Talent Spotlight

The squad also highlights emerging talent, with Dhruv Jurel expected to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Nitish Kumar Reddy returns after missing the England tour due to injury, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar impressed against Australia A and remains in contention. Sai Sudharsan’s consistent performances for India A could also earn him opportunities in the upcoming series.

Shreyas Iyer Takes Break from Red-Ball Cricket

Shreyas Iyer, who recently captained India A in the unofficial Test series against Australia A, has requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket. This move has kept him out of consideration for the West Indies series.

“Iyer has asked for a six-month hiatus from red-ball cricket, and we respect his decision,” confirmed Agarkar.

    India will look to maintain momentum after a competitive England tour, aiming to continue building bench strength while providing opportunities to emerging talent.

    India vs West Indies Test Series Schedule

    • 1st Test: October 2-6, Ahmedabad
    • 2nd Test: October 10-14, Delhi

    The squad announcement sets the stage for a compelling series at home, with fans eager to see the mix of experienced campaigners and young talents in action.

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    Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

    Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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    Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

    Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

    His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

    Domestic cricket background

    Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

    While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

    Bowling style and strengths

    Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

    • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
    • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
    • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

    His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

    Breakthrough IPL moment

    Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

    A promising start

    Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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    At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

    Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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    Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

    The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

    Strong performances boost selection chances

    Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

    Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

    Could become youngest India debutant

    If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

    The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

    Future tours also on radar

    Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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    Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

    The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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    Guwahati weather

    The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

    Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

    The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

    Cut-off time and over reductions

    As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

    High-stakes encounter on hold

    Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

    Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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