West Indies Suffer Huge Injury Blow, Star Pacer Ruled Out Of India Tests

The West Indies have suffered a huge injury blow ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against India. Their star pacer, Shamar Joseph, has been ruled out of the series owing to an injury.

Cricket West Indies confirmed the development on Friday (September 26) while also announcing the replacement for Shamar Joseph. 22-year-old fast-bowling allrounder Johann Layne has been named as Joseph's replacement. The young cricketer is from Barbados and has played 19 first-class games so far.

Squad Update 🚨

Johann Layne has replaced Shamar Joseph in the squad for the test series against India.

Joseph has been ruled out due to an injury and will be re-evaluated ahead of the Bangladesh limited overs series.#INDvsWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/2z5uiZSicu

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— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) September 26, 2025

Johann Layne announced Shamar Joseph's replacement

In those 19 matches, Layne has picked up a staggering 66 wickets at an average of 22.28 with four five-wicket hauls. With the bat, he has scored close to 500 runs in red-ball cricket, including two half-centuries.

Meanwhile, the two-match Test series will get underway on October 2 in Ahmedabad, while the second match will take place in Delhi from October 10.

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

India's dominance over the West Indies

India have thoroughly dominated their rivalry against West Indies in Tests in the last couple of decades or so and will start the upcoming series as firm favourites.

While the overall record is still in the West Indies' favour, India have been the better side in recent years. It has been more than two decades since the West Indies last won a Test or Test series against India.

The Caribbean outfit's last success against India in the longest format of the game came way back in 2002 when they won the five-match series at home by a margin of 2-1.

West Indies have a chance to script history

Since then, India have won nine consecutive Test series against West Indies without losing a single match.

India have also not lost a Test match against West Indies at home since the 1994/95 season and will look to extend their unbeaten run.

The home side will start the upcoming series as favourites, while the visitors will be looking to come up with a good performance and give their fancied hosts a run for their money.

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