The BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, on Wednesday announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies which starts on October 2. Agarkar also shared the recovery updates of Rishabh Pant.
“Rishabh Pant is not fit for the West Indies series, hopefully he will be available for the home Tests against South Africa,” Agarkar said during the press conference. With Pant out, Dhruv Jurel will be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, while N. Jagadeesan will be the back-up wicketkeeper.
Pant suffered a left foot fracture during the Manchester Test against England in July after attempting a reverse sweep off a Chris Woakes yorker. Despite his injury, Pant showed great determination by walking in to bat on Day 2. He also scored a half-century in that Test before being ruled out for the rest of the series. He was replaced by Jagadeesan for the final Test at The Oval.
Pant is now recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is expected to start strength and fitness training soon, with doctors deciding when he can bat and keep wickets again.
After the West Indies tour, India will play a white-ball series in Australia and a full tour of South Africa. Pant’s recovery is important as he an asset for the Test squad. He has scored 3,427 runs in 47 matches with an average of 44.50.
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