Team India will have to make do without Rishabh Pant in the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that the star wicketkeeper-batter is still recovering from the foot injury he sustained during the England tour and is not fit enough to feature.
“Rishabh is the vice-captain at the moment and a key player, but unfortunately, he hasn’t quite recovered to make this particular Test series. We’re hopeful that he’ll be available for South Africa,” Agarkar explained.
Jadeja Named Vice-Captain
With Pant sidelined, Ravindra Jadeja — one of India’s standout performers against England — has been appointed as vice-captain for the two-Test series. Jadeja was instrumental in India’s campaign, scoring 516 runs and taking seven wickets in five matches, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
“Jaddu has been one of our top performers. With a lot of experience, that’s essentially the reason he was made vice-captain,” Agarkar said.
Pant’s Stellar Form Before Injury
Before the setback, Pant was in sensational touch with the bat. He ended the England series as the sixth-highest run-scorer, amassing 479 runs in just four Tests at an impressive average of 68.42 and a strike rate of 77.63. His tally included three half-centuries and two centuries, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s most impactful red-ball players.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Pant’s campaign came to an abrupt halt during the fourth Test in Manchester when a toe-crushing yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes struck his right foot in the 68th over on Day 1. The blow forced him to retire hurt, but in a show of remarkable grit, Pant returned to the crease later and added vital runs, helping India post a total of 358.
Positive Signs for Future Return
While Pant’s absence is a blow, the BCCI is optimistic about his return later this year. “With regards to Rishabh, I don’t think he’s quite made this series. He won’t be ready, but we’re hopeful that by the time the South Africa series comes around, he’s 100% fit. Exact timelines are uncertain, but he’s very close to returning after these two Tests,” Agarkar added.
India Squad for West Indies Tests
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Axar Patel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- N Jagadeesan
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Kuldeep Yadav
India will begin their home red-ball season with this series and hope to build momentum with a strong performance, even in the absence of one of their most dynamic match-winners.
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