West Indies Announce Squad for India Test Series: Chanderpaul Returns, Pierre Earns Maiden Call-Up

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India, scheduled from October 2 to 14 with matches in Ahmedabad and Delhi. The series will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and marks West Indies’ first Test tour of India since 2018.

The selection panel has made three changes to the squad that recently faced Australia. Left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and middle-order batter Alick Athanaze have both earned recalls to strengthen the batting unit, while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been rewarded with a maiden Test call-up.

Pierre’s inclusion comes on the back of a stellar season in the West Indies Championship, where he topped the wicket charts with 41 dismissals at an average of 13.56. He will serve as the second specialist spinner in the squad alongside Jomel Warrican.

Meanwhile, spinner Gudakesh Motie has been rested from the red-ball squad. According to CWI, the decision was made to manage his workload with a busy white-ball calendar ahead, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for February–March 2026.

Head coach Daren Sammy said the selections were made with Indian conditions in mind.

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

“This will be our second series together as a Test team, but we have already shown what we are capable of as a unit once we are committed to our brand and plans.”

Sammy added that the return of Chanderpaul and Athanaze would give the batting order a much-needed boost.

“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,” he explained.

The squad, led by Roston Chase, will depart the Caribbean on September 22 and is scheduled to arrive in Ahmedabad on September 24 to begin preparations.

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.