India’s vice-captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to miss the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, as he continues to recover from a foot injury sustained during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year.
Pant, who fractured his toe while attempting a reverse sweep against England’s Chris Woakes during the fourth Test of India’s summer tour, has been advised a six-week rest period. Despite returning to bat later in that same innings, the injury ruled him out of the fifth and final Test, and now sidelines him for the first leg of India’s home season.
India are scheduled to face West Indies in a two-match Test series starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. The series marks the beginning of India’s 2025–26 home campaign, and Pant’s absence is expected to impact the team’s balance, especially with his dual role as a middle-order aggressor and wicketkeeper.
With Pant unavailable, the selectors will once again turn to young Dhruv Jurel, who has impressed in recent outings. Jurel kept wickets in the final two Tests against England and is currently leading India A in the second unofficial Test against Australia A in Lucknow. His composure with the gloves and ability to chip in with the bat have earned him growing support as Pant’s understudy.
Another possible inclusion in the squad is N. Jagadeesan, who was originally called up as Pant’s replacement during the England series. Jagadeesan has also featured in India A matches recently and remains a strong contender, especially if the selectors opt for a second wicketkeeping option in the squad.
Pant’s absence may also prompt tactical changes in India’s middle order. His aggressive style often shifts the momentum in Test matches, and without him, the team could look to adjust its batting depth or bolster the spin department, depending on pitch conditions in Ahmedabad and the second venue, yet to be confirmed.
This latest injury setback is a blow to Pant, who had just re-established his place in the Test side following a previous layoff. However, team management is expected to take a cautious approach, keeping in mind a packed season ahead, including tours and the ICC World Test Championship fixtures.
India’s squad for the West Indies series is likely to be announced in the coming days, with clarity expected on the final choice between Jurel and Jagadeesan as Pant’s replacement.
