Is Rishabh Pant Available for India’s Tests Against West Indies?
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Synopsis
As the anticipation builds for the selection of India's squad for the Tests against the West Indies, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant and his recovery. Will he be fit to play, or will India have to rely on new talent? Discover the latest updates and insights into Pant's journey back to the pitch.
Key Takeaways
- Rishabh Pant is undergoing rehabilitation for a fractured foot.
- The first Test against the West Indies is from October 2-6.
- Dhruv Jurel is likely to assume wicketkeeping duties.
- The series is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
- India currently holds the third position in the WTC standings.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) The spotlight is on the availability of Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meets on September 24 to finalize the squad for the upcoming two Tests against the West Indies.
According to IANS, Pant checked into the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on September 15, where he is undergoing assessment by the medical team following a fractured right foot he sustained during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in Manchester in July.
As the vice-captain during the England tour, Pant has been diligently rehabilitating and focusing on strength and conditioning for his right foot at the CoE. His progress was highlighted when he shared an Instagram story showcasing his cycling session on Monday.
Sources informed IANS that while Pant is making ‘good progress’, he is expected to miss the first Test in Ahmedabad, scheduled from October 2-6. It is anticipated that he will need at least seven to ten days before he can resume batting and wicketkeeping practices at the CoE, which raises uncertainty about his participation in the second Test in New Delhi, set for October 10-14.
However, Pant is likely to return to the Indian squad for the white-ball series in Australia that begins on October 19. If he’s unable to participate in the second Test against the West Indies, his focus will shift to being ready for the Australia tour.
His comeback to Test cricket, where he has been a significant match-winner for India, is expected to occur during the two Tests against current WTC mace holders South Africa at home in November.
In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel is anticipated to take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities. Currently playing for India A in a multi-day series against Australia A in Lucknow, Jurel has been the stand-in keeper in England when Pant was unavailable.
N Jagadeesan, who opened in the first match against Australia A, could also be considered for the role if the selectors decide to name a second specialist wicketkeeper in the squad.
Additionally, left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal and seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely candidates for the Test squad. Padikkal recently scored 150 for India A during the drawn first four-day game against Australia A and has played two Tests to date.
Reddy, who has participated in seven Tests, missed the first match against Australia A due to recovery from a left knee injury sustained on the England tour but is included in the squad for the second four-day match starting on Tuesday.
With B Sai Sudharsan appearing to be a certainty for the upcoming series, questions arise regarding Karun Nair, who struggled during the England tour after an eight-year absence from Tests. Nair has been sidelined due to a minor finger injury incurred during the fifth Test at The Oval, which India won by a narrow six runs.
The forthcoming Test series between India and the West Indies is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Following a 2–2 drawn series in England, India is currently in third place on the WTC table, while West Indies sit at sixth after three consecutive losses.
Point of View
The focus on Rishabh Pant's recovery reflects not just individual talent but the depth of the team's structure. As we look ahead to the Tests against the West Indies, it's crucial for the selection committee to balance current performance with future potential. While Pant's absence would be a significant loss, the emergence of new players could also provide fresh opportunities for the team. We stand in support of the players and the decisions made in the best interest of Indian cricket.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Rishabh Pant sustain?
Rishabh Pant sustained a fractured right foot during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in Manchester in July.
When is the first Test against the West Indies scheduled?
The first Test against the West Indies is scheduled from October 2-6 in Ahmedabad.
Who is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in Pant's absence?
In Pant's absence, Dhruv Jurel is expected to take over wicketkeeping responsibilities.
What is the significance of the upcoming Test series?
The upcoming Test series is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
What is the current WTC standing of India?
India is currently in third place on the WTC table after a 2–2 drawn series in England.
