IND vs WI: Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India Test series due to lower back injury

The West Indies have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against India, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph ruled out due to a back injury.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the development in a statement, adding that Jediah Blades, who has represented the Caribbean side in ODIs and T20Is, will replace Joseph in the squad.

The statement also revealed that senior all-rounder Jason Holder had declined selection for the tour, as he is set to undergo a planned medical procedure. Holder’s absence, coupled with Joseph’s injury, has further weakened the experience in the West Indies lineup.

The news comes after Shamar Joseph was also ruled out of the series due to an undisclosed injury and will be unavailable.

Alzarri and Shamar were key figures in the West Indies pace attack during their recent home series against Australia, where, alongside Jayden Seales, the trio troubled the visiting batters. With his withdrawal, questions remain over whether the visitors will persist with a pace-heavy approach against India or opt for a spin-friendly combination.

The Test series begins on October 2, with the opening match scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

For India, this will mark their first assignment at home in the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. It will also be Shubman Gill’s first home series as Test captain, as the team looks to build momentum after drawing their five-match Test series in England earlier this year and clinching the Asia Cup 2025 title in Dubai.

The Men in Blue will also be eager to make a strong statement after their disappointing showing in their previous home assignment, where they were whitewashed 3-0 by New Zealand in 2024.

The West Indies, meanwhile, will be looking to stage an upset and lay down a marker for the WTC cycle. However, the absence of a key bowler leaves them heavily reliant on younger names and an inexperienced middle order.

West Indies’ updated squad for India Tests:

Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales