Why is Rishabh Pant not named in Indian squad for IND vs WI ODIs?

Dhruv Jurel has been picked instead of Rishabh Pant in the Indian ODI squad.

India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies will be an important part of the team’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Hence, it can be perceived that the players who are selected from now onwards in India’s ODI squads are part of the selectors’ plans for the marquee event in 2027. 

With several regular campaigners missing the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies due to the clash with the Asian Games, several players have been recalled to the Indian ODI setup, while several new players have been called out to hand their debuts. 

However, what remained was a monumental call by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee: the snub of Rishabh Pant from the ODI squad, despite Ishan Kishan’s absence. Dhruv Jurel was instead picked as the second-wicket-keeper for the Indian squad, while Pant was left out once again. 

Why didn’t Indian selectors consider Rishabh Pant as India’s second-choice keeper in ODIs?

Pant has not been selected for the West Indies ODIs, with the selectors instead opting for KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel as their wicketkeeping options. The decision comes amid Pant’s recent injury history and his poor form in white-ball cricket. 

Pant has not played an ODI for India since 2024. He was also forced to miss the ODI series against New Zealand earlier in 2026 after suffering an injury, and even then Jurel had to replace him in the ODI squad. 

Rishabh Pant’s form in domestic white-ball cricket has not been promising; instead, Dhruv Jurel has shown some commanding form. On the other hand, Pant has produced consecutive disappointing season in the IPL as well. 

This is a massive drawback for Rishabh Pant, however, the Indian wicket-keeper has been handed a captaincy in the Irani Cup. Though this decision from Indian selectors does not imply that the doors of national selection are shut for him, it indicates that he is not in plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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