India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to be miss the upcoming home series against the West Indies, beginning October 2. The cricketer underwent
a toe fracture during the England tour in July and still hasn't recovered to be full ready for cricketing action, reportedly ruling him out for India's first home series in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle 2025-27.
Pant is currently in Bengaluru, recuperating from his injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence facility. While he may miss the two-match series against the Caribbean side, he may well return fit and fine for the following home assignment against South Africa, the current WTC champions. The multi-format tour will include a couple of Tests, set to be played at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Naturally, Dhurv Jurel becomes the first-choice to take the wicketkeeping duties in Pant's absence, according to ESPNcricinfo, while Narayan Jagadeesan may come in as a backup option. Jurel is in great form, showing a great display of batting in the first unofficial Test against Australia A side, scoring a magnificent century in a drawn affair in Lucknow.
Team to be picked on September 24
It is to be noted that the All India Men's Senior Selection Committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will meet on September 24 to pick the 15-man squad for the upcoming home assignment, with Shubman Gill expected to lead the Indian side. For the unversed, Shreyas Iyer's inclusion for the series is a topic of debate within the Indian cricketing circles.
Also, being the vice-captain of the side, Pant's absence leaves a huge leadership void within the Indian dressing room. With Jasprit Bumrah not in the thick of things, KL Rahul becomes the frontrunner to be named as Gill's deputy for the time being. The series will begin with the first Test to be played at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The two teams will then travel to New Delhi for the second and final match of the series.
India vs West Indies 2025 - Schedule
| Dates | Match | Timing (IST) | Venue |
| October 2-6, 2025 | 1st Test | 9:30 AM | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| October 10-14, 2025 | 2nd Test | 9:30 AM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi |
