Rishabh Pant to miss West Indies Test series: Here's why
What's the story
Indian cricket team will be without their star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for the upcoming two-match home Test series against West Indies, as per ESPNcricinfo. The series is scheduled to start on October 2 in Ahmedabad. Pant is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a fractured left foot during India's England tour in July.
Recovery journey
Pant suffered left foot fracture in England Test
Pant had fractured his left foot during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in Manchester. He had limped out to bat in the first innings but was replaced by N Jagadeesan for the final Test at The Oval. Now, he is at BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he is undergoing strength and conditioning exercises.
Future prospects
Timeline on Pant's return remains uncertain
There is no fixed timeline for Pant's return to batting and keeping duties, as he awaits further updates from the BCCI medical team. India will play a white-ball series in Australia from October 19, after the West Indies series. In Pant's absence, Dhruv Jurel is likely to take over as India's wicketkeeper for the West Indies series.
Squad selection
Selectors to announce squad on September 23 or 24
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will announce a 15-member squad for the West Indies series on either September 23 or 24. This is two fewer than the squad picked for last October's New Zealand Tests, India's last home series. The selectors are likely to consider Nitish Kumar Reddy and Devdutt Padikkal for this Test series.
WTC standings
India-West Indies Tests part of WTC
The India-West Indies Tests will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Currently, India are third on the WTC table after drawing a five-match series against England 2-2. West Indies, on the other hand, are sixth after losing all three of their matches so far. Despite Pant's expected absence, the Indian team is expected to dominate this series.