Karun Nair all set to be dropped for West Indies tests, Devdutt Padikkal in contention to replace him - Reports

Karun Nair was part of Indian side for the test series against England.

It seems like Karun Nair’s India comeback was only a short one, as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are reportedly set to bring in Devdutt Padikkal in the Indian middle order to replace him, as the Indian squad for the West Indies test series is to be announced on Wednesday, September 24.

The 33-year-old batsman had previously expressed his wish for another opportunity to play for his country. Earlier this year, during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, that opportunity came in England. However, the five-match test series that saved his life has also left him open to criticism.

Karun Nair scored 205 runs at an average of slightly over 25 over eight innings and four tests. More than 7,000 runs were made during the India-England test series, with 21 centuries and 29 half-centuries being hit by the batters. But Nair did not have a big score, the highest being 57 in the first innings of the Oval test.

Devdutt Padikkal is likely to replace Karun Nair in the Indian team

Devdutt Padikkal, on the other hand, has entered the race at the ideal time. In Lucknow, the left-handed batsman showed off his skills by hitting an incredible 150 for India A versus Australia A.

He is a strong candidate to take Karun Nair’s place in the test squad for the next series because he even participated in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25.

The Indian Test team won’t undergo any significant alterations in the interim. Shubman Gill will likely continue to lead the batting core, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and KL Rahul at his sides. Devdutt Padikkal’s recall for the test is virtually certain.

With Kuldeep Yadav providing wrist-spin variation for the forthcoming test series against the West Indies at home, India will continue to rely on their reliable spin-bowling trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel in the all-around department.

Dhruv Jurel will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, as Rishabh Pant is set to be excluded as he still recovers from his foot injury. Narayan Jagadeesan might be included as a backup keeper option, but with this being a home series, a backup can be called anytime.

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