India’s selectors have picked Devdutt Padikkal ahead of Karun Nair in the 15-member squad for the two-Test home series against West Indies.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the panel “expected more” from Nair after his England tour returns. The 33-year-old played four Tests in England and scored 205 runs at an average of just over 25, with a lone half-century.

Padikkal, 25, returns to the Test squad after scoring a century in an unofficial Test against Australia A. He was part of the squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Nitish Kumar Reddy also returned after missing the final two England Tests with a knee injury. Jasprit Bumrah was named in the squad.

Ravindra Jadeja was named vice-captain with Rishabh Pant still recovering from the fractured foot he suffered in Manchester. Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeepers.

The first Test is being played in Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, with the second in Delhi from October 10 to 14. The series is part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.