Bumrah available for both Tests vs WI

Doors shut on Karun, Easwaran; Jadeja vice-captain

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was Thursday named in India’s Test squad for the home series against the West Indies, while Devdutt Padikkal replaced Karun Nair, who could not deliver fully on what was "expected” of him in the opportunities offered so far.

While announcing the 15-member squad at the Indian team hotel here, Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar dropped elaborate hints that Nair and Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran are no longer in the scheme of things.

Rishabh Pant's absence has resulted in Ravindra Jadeja's elevation as vice-captain for the West Indies, while stylish Karnataka left-hander Padikkal, 25, is being seen as a longterm investment along with the 23-year-old Sai Sudharsan, who has locked the No 3 slot.

On Bumrah, Agarkar was clear that the pacer is well-rested and good to go in the series that gets underway October 2 in Ahmedabad.

"This is a team for both the Test matches. So, he's available for both. We've had a fair break after England. He didn't play the fifth Test either. There's been a month or five weeks of break," he said in response to a PTI query.