India Announces Squad for West Indies Series: Pujara Dropped, Jaiswal and Gaikwad Earn Maiden Selections

We anticipate an exciting cricket season fuelled by international competition with West Indies. It is noteworthy that there have been some changes made within Team India. Recently announced by the esteemed organization Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cheteshwar Pujara won’t see action as he’s no longer part of the Test squad. At the same time, fast bowler Mohammed Shami gets some rest before joining his compatriots on this exciting challenge ahead.

In a notable development, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Mukesh Kumar have earned their maiden selections in India’s Test squad for the West Indies tour. Fast bowler Navdeep Saini has returned, while Umesh Yadav did not find a place in the squad.

With Pujara’s exclusion, India will seek a new No. 3 batsman for the series following his underwhelming performances in the World Test Championship final against Australia. If Shubman Gill maintains his current batting position, Jaiswal or Gaikwad could potentially fill Pujara’s spot in India’s first 2023–2025 WTC cycle series.

Jaiswal, renowned for his exceptional performances for Mumbai, boasts an impressive first-class average of 80.21 in 26 innings. In his recent outstanding performance in the Irani Cup, he scored 213 and 144 for the Rest of India against Madhya Pradesh, accumulating 357 runs, the highest by any batter in an Irani Cup match. Jaiswal possesses the versatility to open the innings or bat at No. 3 if required.

Gaikwad, representing Maharashtra, showcases a commendable first-class average of 42.19 from 28 matches, including six centuries. His technique has caught the attention of the selectors and team management, who have been eager to include him in the Test team for some time.