Maiden call-up in West Indies squad for India Tests

West Indies have named their squad for the two-Test series against India starting October 2.

The series will mark the Roston Chase-led side's second assignment in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle following the home series against Australia in June-July 2025.

A notable inclusion in the ranks is that of left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who earned his maiden call-up to the Test side.

The 33-year-old has been rewarded for consistent displays in the West Indies Championship, where he claimed the highest wickets this season - 41 wickets at an average of 13.56.

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican, 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

Meanwhile, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze are back into the mix. Chanderpaul, who has 560 runs from 10 Tests under his belt, last featured for the Windies back in January 2024 on the tour of Australia.

Athanaze on the other hand, was last part of the West Indies squad that drew a two-Test series in Pakistan earlier this year.

Explaining the rationale behind the changes to the squad, head coach Daren Sammy told Cricket West Indies, “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling.

"Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions."

Sammy also opened up on the challenge of facing India, who are coming on the back of levelling a pulsating series against England, in sub-continental conditions.

“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions.” said Sammy.

The two teams will play in the first of two Tests starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.

Series schedule:

1st Test - October 2-6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

2nd Test - October 10-14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

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