‘This is not the main team’ – Irfan Pathan questions India’s squad for West Indies ODIs

India have named a 15-member ODI squad for the three-match home series against West Indies, which begins September 27, 2026. Shubman Gill has been named captain, with KL Rahul as his deputy. The squad includes two uncapped players in Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to the ODI setup after last featuring in the series against New Zealand in January 2026.

The selection has drawn attention because several senior players are unavailable. Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan are all committed to India’s Asian Games 2026 campaign in Japan, which runs from September 24 to October 3, a window that overlaps with all three West Indies ODIs. Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn from the Asian Games squad and included in the ODI group instead.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan acknowledged the squad’s composition openly, arguing that the circumstances offer a timely chance to assess players who are not yet regulars in the side.

Why did Irfan Pathan say this is not the main team?

The West Indies ODI series runs directly alongside the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, which takes place from September 24 to October 3. Because of this scheduling clash, India are without several players who would ordinarily feature in their strongest ODI combination. Bumrah, Iyer, Axar and Washington Sundar are all unavailable during this window, leaving gaps in both the pace attack and the middle order.

“This is not the main team against the West Indies for the ODIs, and I feel that’s the right way to go. Bumrah is not there, Shreyas, Axar, and Washington Sundar are all playing at the Asian Games. You are going to get only a few matches before the World Cup next year, and in those games, you want to test your bench strength as well.

“That opportunity has arrived now. With the Asian Games and the West Indies series happening simultaneously, it’s a blessing in disguise, where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance,” Pathan

Which players are returning or earning their first ODI call-up?

Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi have both received their first ODI call-ups, giving them an opportunity to press their claims at this level. Their inclusion signals that the selectors are keen to evaluate options beyond the established group as the next World Cup cycle progresses.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been recalled, having last appeared in an ODI during India’s home series against South Africa in 2025. Jadeja’s return adds experience to the all-rounder slot following his absence since January 2026. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both named in the squad, providing senior presence alongside the newer faces, while Nitish Kumar Reddy’s switch from the Asian Games group adds further depth to the batting order.

India full squad for West Indies ODI series 2026

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir