Rishabh Pant’s Absence in Upcoming Test Series
India’s vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, is expected to miss the Test series against the West Indies starting October 2 due to his ongoing recovery from a severe foot fracture sustained during the England tour. ESPNcricinfo reported on September 22 that his recovery may not be sufficient for him to participate in the series.
Pant was in superb form during the England tour before suffering the injury in the Manchester Test match. Although he retired hurt, he bravely returned to bat during a critical phase for India, contributing 54 runs. Unfortunately, that innings marked Pant’s final appearance in the five-match series.
Earlier reports indicated that Pant was out of his cast and walking well, but the latest update suggests he has not yet batted or kept in the nets, casting doubt on his availability for the series.
Potential Changes in Indian Test Squad
The Indian Test team may see further changes ahead of the two-match series against West Indies. Karun Nair, who is back to fitness despite a lackluster performance in the England series, is likely to be a key topic for discussion among the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, which is set to finalize the 15-member squad this week.
Nair’s previous match saw him score a vital half-century, but he struggled to convert good starts into significant scores, and a finger injury further sidelined him. Consequently, he was only cleared by the NCA after the India A squad for the Australia A series had already been named.
Nitish Reddy, also back in form, may pose competition for Nair’s spot. Although Reddy did not play in the first unofficial Test, he is anticipated to participate in the second match.
Team Composition and Strategy
There is a division of opinion within the BCCI regarding Nair’s inclusion. Some believe he deserves another chance against a comparatively weaker West Indies side, while others argue that four Tests should have been enough to evaluate his ability. As for the core batting lineup, Shubman Gill (the captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and B Sai Sudharsan are likely to maintain their positions. With Pant unavailable, Dhruv Jurel will take on wicketkeeping duties.
The bowling lineup, if all players are fit, will likely feature three specialist spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, while Mohammed Siraj is expected to be a definite starter. Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for at least the first Test, creating opportunities for other players, potentially allowing for a second seamer like Prasidh Krishna or an additional spinner or all-rounder such as Axar Patel, depending on Reddy’s selection.
Selection Discussions and Future Plans
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, is currently in Dubai, where he has reportedly met with captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir to discuss the team’s future plans, including the roadmap for the T20 World Cup and upcoming series against Australia and South Africa.
Narayan Jagadeesan is likely to be named as the second wicketkeeper and backup opener, having impressed with a solid 64 runs in the first unofficial Test against Australia A. His potential inclusion as a third opener might signal the end of the road for Abhimanyu Easwaran. Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal is in contention for an additional batting slot, while Shreyas Iyer could return, contingent on a good performance in the second unofficial Test.
The first Test against the West Indies is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from October 2-6, followed by the second Test in New Delhi from October 10-14.
