As Team India gears up for their crucial tour of the West Indies, the buzz around the likely 15-man squad has reached fever pitch — and what’s grabbing headlines is the selectors’ plan to pack the lineup with as many as 5 all-rounders, a clear sign that India wants depth, flexibility, and balance on tricky Caribbean pitches.
According to sources in the BCCI selection committee, the team management wants multiple players who can contribute with both bat and ball, giving captain Rohit Sharma more options to adapt to the slow, turning conditions expected in the Caribbean. The squad, which is likely to be announced this week, is expected to feature a mix of experienced names and exciting youngsters, with a strong emphasis on spin-bowling all-rounders.
Here’s the likely 15-man India squad for the West Indies Tests, highlighting the 5 key all-rounders:
✅ Rohit Sharma (Captain) – The senior opener will lead India’s campaign as they aim to start the new WTC cycle with a bang.
✅ Shubman Gill – Set to continue at No. 3, looking to convert his starts into big overseas scores.
✅ Yashasvi Jaiswal – The dynamic young opener keeps his spot after impressive knocks.
✅ Virat Kohli – India’s batting mainstay with a point to prove on foreign shores.
✅ Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain) – Back to stabilize the middle order and mentor the young guns.
✅ Sarfaraz Khan – Red-hot from domestic cricket, likely to get his long-awaited Test debut.
✅ KS Bharat (WK) – Trusted wicketkeeper who can handle testing conditions behind the stumps.
✅ Ishan Kishan (WK) – Aggressive second wicketkeeper-batter, brings flair and attacking options.
The 5 likely all-rounders:
✅ Ravindra Jadeja – First-choice all-rounder, vital for his left-arm spin and lower-order runs.
✅ Axar Patel – Another left-arm spinner who can shore up the batting at No. 7 or 8.
✅ Hardik Pandya – Expected to return to red-ball cricket, providing seam-bowling and finishing skills.
✅ Washington Sundar – Off-spin all-rounder who can contribute quick runs and control the middle overs.
✅ Shardul Thakur – Seam-bowling all-rounder nicknamed “Lord” for his knack of delivering in clutch moments.
✅ Ravichandran Ashwin – Senior off-spinner who can also be counted as an all-rounder given his five Test centuries.
✅ Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead, crucial for making early inroads.
✅ Mukesh Kumar – Reliable domestic performer, offers control with the new ball.
✅ Avesh Khan/Prasidh Krishna (one of them) – Final pacer slot likely to be a toss-up depending on fitness.
Insiders say the selection of five all-rounders reflects India’s plan to play two or even three spinners if pitches break down quickly in the Caribbean — while ensuring the tail can wag with batters who can score valuable runs at the end.
Fans have already begun debating the likely squad, with hashtags like #IndiaVsWI, #TeamIndiaSquad, and #AllRounderPower trending on social media. Former players have lauded the emphasis on multi-skilled cricketers, calling it the right approach for challenging overseas conditions.
Will India’s strategy of packing the squad with all-rounders pay off and give them the edge they need to conquer the Caribbean?