India Begins Home Test Series Against West Indies Without Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli

India is set to host the West Indies in a two-match Test series starting October 2, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, marking India's first home series since a 3-0 victory over New Zealand the previous November. This will be India's first home Test series in a decade without star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from red-ball cricket earlier in May 2025. Shubman Gill, who has risen through the ranks from Under-16 cricket in Punjab to becoming the vice-captain of India's ODI team in 2025 and captain of Gujarat in the IPL, is expected to lead the team in this series. The West Indies, facing injury setbacks among their fast bowlers, will look to challenge India in what is also part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. Meanwhile, New Zealand and Australia are engaged in a three-match T20I series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, serving as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with both teams missing some key players due to injuries. Australia's squad, despite several top players being absent, includes experienced and motivated players aiming to solidify their World Cup selections, while New Zealand are managing without key figures such as Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner.