Not Sarfaraz Khan!! Shreyas Iyer in a 1 on 1 fight with this Indian player

Indian selectors are set for a high-stakes decision as they prepare to name the 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.

The big talking point is the battle for the middle-order spot, with Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal both vying for a place in India’s 15-member squad.

The national selectors will announce the squad for the Test series against the West Indies on Wednesday, September 24, after their online meeting. Karun Nair is unlikely to get another lifeline, with the selectors deciding between Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal.

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Battle for middle order spot heats up between Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal

Padikkal comes into the reckoning after his sublime form. He recently smashed a brilliant 150 for India A in the first red-ball game against Australia A and had earlier scored a half-century for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025. He has already played a couple of Tests for India.

Read Also: KL Rahul and 1 more player joins India amid ongoing Asia Cup 2025; injuries in camp?

However, Padikkal missed the England tour due to injury, but his recent performances all but confirmed his India comeback. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer has been struggling in red-ball cricket. The Mumbaiker was dismissed cheaply in the only 2025 Duleep Trophy game he played and managed just eight runs in the first India A match against Australia A.

Adding to the drama, Shreyas Iyer pulled out of the second red-ball match against Australia A, citing personal reasons, and the vice-captain, Dhruv Jurel, had to take on the three responsibilities. Notably, Shreyas was made India A captain with an eye on the home tests.

Devdutt Padikkal ahead of Shreyas Iyer in the hunt for Test spot

Despite this, Iyer remains in the Test reckoning, but Padikkal seems to have the edge at the moment for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies.

A Revsportz report reads: “Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal are in the fray at the expense of Karun Nair. Despite his red-ball struggles, Shreyas remains in the Test reckoning. However, Padikkal seems to have his nose in front.”

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Dhruv Jurel first choice wicketkeeper, N Jagadeesan backup for West Indies Tests

Meanwhile, the wicketkeeping department has already been decided. Rishabh Pant will miss the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, and Dhruv Jurel is expected to be the first-choice keeper, with N. Jagadeesan likely to be the backup for the youngster.

N Jagadeesan impressed during the final test in England and scored a half-century in the first India A game against Australia A. Well, Abhimanyu Easwaran could also get the nod if the selectors look for a reserve opener. The rest of the team is already finalized.

India's pace attack depends on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel will remain part of the Test side. The pace department will depend on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. With workload management in mind, Bumrah, who is currently playing in the Asia Cup 2025, is unlikely to play both tests.

Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna can also be picked as the backup options. The selectors may even consider a surprise left-arm seamer to add variety to India’s bowling attack.

Notably, the upcoming selection meeting will be the last for two outgoing selectors, S. Sharath and Subroto Banerjee. Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh are set to replace them after the BCCI’s AGM on September 28.