India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar gave a positive update on star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who’s sidelined by a foot injury and won’t play in the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies. Agarkar shared that Pant is making good progress in his recovery and could be ready for the South Africa tour in November.
Pant picked up a fractured left foot during the fourth Test against England in Manchester earlier this year. He served as India’s vice-captain in that series, but the injury forced him out. While announcing the Test squad for West Indies on Thursday, Agarkar noted Pant isn’t fully fit yet. Instead, senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja steps up as vice-captain—his first time in that role for Test matches, though he’s done it before in ODIs and T20Is.
“Rishabh Pant is our vice-captain right now and a key player for us,” Agarkar said during a press conference. “But he hasn’t recovered enough for this series. Jadeja has been one of our top performers with tons of experience, so that’s why we picked him.”
Pant has been working hard on his rehab and strength training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Fans got a glimpse when he shared an Instagram story on Monday showing his cycling session. Agarkar added, “We’re hopeful he’ll be 100 percent fit by the time South Africa rolls around. I don’t have the exact timeline for his injury, but he’s very close to getting back after these two Tests.”
With Pant out, the squad includes specialist wicketkeepers Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan. Jurel, who’s currently playing for India A against Australia A in Lucknow, stepped in as keeper during the England series when Pant needed a break. He’s likely to take the gloves for these matches.
This India vs. West Indies Test series kicks off the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. India holds third place on the WTC standings after drawing 2-2 in England, while West Indies sit sixth following three straight losses. The first Test starts in Ahmedabad, and the second heads to Delhi from October 10.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
