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Rishabh Pant to Miss West Indies Test Series, Jurel to Keep Wickets

  • By Thetripurapost Sports Desk, Dubai / New Delhi
  • Sep 23, 2025
  • 573

India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies, beginning October 2 in Ahmedabad. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will meet on September 24 to pick a 15-member squad—two fewer than the home Tests against New Zealand last year.

Pant fractured his left foot during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England earlier this year and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. With no timeline set for his return, he will continue recovery while India plays West Indies and later travels to Australia for a limited-overs series from October 19.

In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel will be India’s primary wicketkeeper, having impressed in the last two Tests against England. N. Jagadeesan, who is currently playing against Australia A, is in contention as backup.

Youngsters Nitish Kumar Reddy (Andhra Pradesh) and Devdutt Padikkal (Karnataka) are also under consideration. Padikkal recently struck 150 against Australia A, while Reddy, returning from a knee injury, adds all-round value with seven Tests to his name.

This two-Test series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC). India, currently third on the points table after drawing 2-2 against England, will look to gain ground, while West Indies sit sixth after three straight defeats.