Follow UsRishabh Pant was not considered for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. As a result, Dhruv Jurel is expected to don the gloves, while N Jagadeesan was named his backup.
Pant was not picked as he is yet to recover from a broken toe he suffered during the Test series against England. As a result, he is undergoing his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is expected to begin his strength and conditioning work before he steps onto the field.
Due to this, he was also not picked in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, with Sanju Samson performing the wicketkeeping duties.
What then is the timeline for Pant's return to the Test side? Chief selector Ajit Agarkar believes that the southpaw will feature in the Test series against South Africa, starting November 14.
"Rishabh Pant not fit for West Indies series, hopefully will be available for home Tests against South Africa," Agarkar said at the press conference while announcing the squad on September 25 (Thursday).
Many expected ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah to be rested for this series. However, he has been picked, and Agarkar says the fast bowler is keen to play both matches. To manage his workload, he played just three of the five Tests against England.
Bumrah will play in the Asia Cup final on September 28 (Sunday) and then four days later, will take the field against the Roston Chase-led side in Ahmedabad. “Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ready and keen to play both Tests against West Indies," he said.
Speaking of Shreyas Iyer, the Mumbai batter was not picked as he had requested a break from red-ball cricket due to a recurring back issue.
Speaking of Iyer, Agarkar said, “Shreyas is a senior player. He has led India A as well, and we are always looking to develop leadership qualities in multiple players. Unfortunately, he won’t be available because of his fitness. More than anything, we want him playing and playing well.”
The two Tests against West Indies will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. While the West Indies are yet to win a match in the cycle, India have won two, lost two and drawn one - all coming during their recent tour of England.