Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature in the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies, according to reports from ESPN Cricinfo. The two-match series will get underway on October 2, with the opening Test scheduled in Ahmedabad. Pant sustained a fracture in his left foot during the first innings of the fourth Test on India’s recent tour of England at Manchester.
Although he had to retire hurt at the time, the 27-year-old showed resilience by returning the next day, making a crucial 54 off 75 balls that lifted India to a total of 358. He did not need to bat again in the second innings as India managed to secure a draw on the final day. However, the injury forced him to miss the series decider at the Oval, where N Jagadeesan was drafted in as his replacement.
Pant is presently at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he continues his rehabilitation. Although a clear timeline for his comeback to competitive cricket hasn’t been set, India are expected to reveal their squad for the West Indies Tests within the next few days. With Pant sidelined, Dhruv Jurel is the frontrunner to handle the wicketkeeping responsibilities in the two-match series against the Caribbean side.
Rishabh Pant Shines In India’s Historic Test Series Draw Against England
Rishabh Pant delivered stellar performances with the bat throughout India’s five-Test series in England, which concluded in a 2-2 draw. The southpaw began the tour in sensational fashion, hitting twin centuries in the first Test at Leeds, though India squandered a chance to take the lead as England chased down 371 in the final innings.
He continued his form with an important half-century in the second innings of India’s 336-run win at Edgbastonduring the second Test. Pant followed it up with another impressive 74 in the first innings of the third Test at Lord’s, but India suffered a narrow 22-run loss, falling behind 1-2 in the series.
In the Manchester Test, Pant scored yet another half-century in the first innings before sustaining a left foot injury. Despite this setback, India secured a remarkable draw in that match and went on to win the final Test by six runs, leveling the series. Pant finished the England tour with 479 runs at 68.42, including 2 centuries and 3 fifties, proving his importance to India.
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