Rishabh Pant omitted from India squad named for three-match ODI series v West Indies

Rishabh Pant was left out of the India squad named on September 17, 2026, for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The selection by the Ajit Agarkar-led committee instead included Dhruv Jurel as a wicketkeeping option.

The West Indies series is being viewed by selectors as part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the players picked now are being considered for those plans. Several regular campaigners are unavailable for the ODIs because of a clash with the Asian Games, prompting recalls of former players and opportunities for newcomers. Despite Ishan Kishan’s absence, the committee made the decision to omit Pant and to name Jurel among the squad members.

Pant’s recent availability and injury record featured in the selection rationale: he was forced to miss the ODI series against New Zealand earlier in 2026 after suffering an injury, with Dhruv Jurel replacing him in that squad. Pant has not played an ODI for India since August 7, 2024, when he last appeared against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Form in white-ball cricket was another factor cited in the selectors’ decision. The article reports that Pant’s performances in domestic white-ball competitions have not been promising, while Dhruv Jurel has shown commanding form in domestic white-ball cricket.

Pant’s recent Indian Premier League campaigns are described as consecutive disappointing seasons, a point the selection committee considered alongside his injury history. The committee has instead opted for KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel as their wicketkeeping options for the upcoming ODIs.

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. Separately, Pant has been appointed captain of the Rest of India team in the Irani Cup.