**Rishabh Pant to Miss West Indies Test Series: Here’s Why**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | September 22, 2025 | 8:29 PM*
The Indian cricket team will be without their star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for the upcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies, according to ESPNcricinfo. The series is scheduled to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad.
### Injury and Rehabilitation
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. The injury occurred during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester, where Pant limped out to bat in the first innings before being sidelined for the final Test at The Oval.
At present, Pant is focused on strength and conditioning exercises under the supervision of the BCCI medical team, aiming for a full recovery.
### Uncertain Return Timeline
There is no fixed timeline for Pant’s return to batting and wicketkeeping duties. He is awaiting further medical updates from the BCCI team. India is set to play a white-ball series in Australia starting October 19, following the West Indies Test series.
### Team Selection and Stand-in Wicketkeeper
In Pant’s absence, young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is likely to assume the wicketkeeping responsibilities for the West Indies series. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce a 15-member squad on September 23 or 24. This squad will be slightly smaller, with two fewer players than the 17-member squad selected for last October’s home series against New Zealand.
Notably, the selectors are considering promising talents such as Nitish Kumar Reddy and Devdutt Padikkal for possible inclusion in the Test lineup.
### World Test Championship Context
The India-West Indies Test matches will be part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC). Currently, India sits third on the WTC points table after drawing a fiercely contested five-match series against England 2-2. The West Indies, meanwhile, are placed sixth after suffering defeats in all three of their matches so far this season.
Despite Rishabh Pant’s absence, the Indian squad is expected to continue their dominant performance in this home series against the West Indies.
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Stay tuned for further updates on squad announcements and team preparations leading up to the series.
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