Who Could India Drop for the West Indies Tests—And Why Their Spot Isn’t Safe Anymore

And so, India’s tour of England is over. What a ride it has been. The 2-2 series tie in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy had some thrilling finishes and fresh heroes popping up, but now the time will be on selection as the next series is home vs the West Indies in October. Some players had a positive influence on their selection chances, while others may have gone completely unnoticed and slipped down the pecking order. Here are three Indian players we can’t see being selected for the Windies Tests.

Karun Nair

Let’s be honest—Karun Nair’s unbeaten 303* back in 2016 still feels like a golden memory. But since then? It’s been a quiet, inconsistent journey. During this England series, Nair had his opportunity but couldn’t fully capitalize on it. He managed 205 runs in 8 innings, with a highest of 57—not disastrous, but far from convincing, especially when you’ve got a stacked middle order itching for a chance.

While others occupy the crease, Iyer and Sarfaraz are scripting silent revolutions in the nets—waiting for home conditions to turn whispers into roars. To add to his troubles, Nair reportedly injured his index finger, casting uncertainty over his fitness shortly. At 33, unless the selectors are feeling especially generous, he might have to return to the grind of domestic cricket to earn another call-up. A case of “too little, too late”?

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Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has built a reputation as the guy who turns up when chaos meets opportunity—be it with a handy lower-order cameo or an out-of-nowhere wicket. This time around, it just didn’t click. Thakur played just two Tests – at Leeds and Old Trafford – and finished with 2 wickets in total, not one. His bowling looked flat, and while his 41 in Manchester was useful, it is possibly not enough to keep a spot in a competitive line-up.

Let’s be honest: India isn’t a country that is lacking in bowling all-rounders. With Jadeja, Axar, and Hardik Pandya (assuming he is fit) all available, it is difficult to see where Shardul fits in. The National Selection Panel may feel that there is no need for a seam bowling all-rounder, in conditions that are usually favorable for spin bowling, especially when you consider that Shardul’s bowling is hardly in form. Shardul may need to post a few eye-catching performances in the Ranji Trophy before he comes back into contention.

Arshdeep Singh

It’s never fun to be the guy carrying drinks, especially on a long tour like this. Arshdeep Singh came close to making his Test debut in Manchester, but a minor hand injury ruled him out, opening the door for Anshul Kamboj instead. As Kamboj locks in his claim, Arshdeep’s seat near the selectors’ table is slowly starting to cool.

In India, home series seldom require a big pace battery. There is a greater need for spin options, and the selectors usually go with just two frontline seamers. With Bumrah, Siraj, and even Prasidh Krishna all ahead of him in the pecking order, Arshdeep Singh might sit out or be turned into a limited-overs-only role, especially with the Asia Cup just around the corner. He’s not finished with red-ball, but it’s likely postponed.

Cricket, especially in an international format, is a brutal game. It is pretty much perform or perish. Players like Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur, and Arshdeep Singh have all had their opportunities, but the England series may have been the final nail in the coffin for the upcoming West Indies Tests.