Hardik, Pant in Focus as India Selectors Pick West Indies ODI Squad
A potential white-ball lifeline for Rishabh Pant and the return of a fit-again Hardik Pandya will be among the key talking points when India's national selectors meet here on Wednesday to pick the ODI and T20I squads for the home series against the West Indies.
India are scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies, with the ODI series beginning in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The selection meeting, headed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, is expected to focus largely on the 50-over squad, with several regulars unavailable because of the Asian Games.
Pandya's fitness will be closely monitored. He has been named in the India A squad for a three-match one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry as part of his return to competitive cricket. The selectors will have to assess whether he is ready to bowl a full 10-over spell and field for 50 overs at international level.
The absence of seam-bowling all-rounders makes Pandya's availability particularly important. Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to be involved with India's Asian Games campaign, while other options have been hit by injuries.
Pant's possible ODI comeback is another major selection call. With Ishan Kishan unavailable, Pant could be considered as the second wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul. Rahul is also expected to be named vice-captain to skipper Shubman Gill. If Pant is overlooked, Dhruv Jurel could get the nod, while Pant may lead Rest of India in the Irani Cup.
With Shreyas Iyer away at the Asian Games, Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to occupy the No. 4 position, with Rajat Patidar and Yashasvi Jaiswal among the reserve batting options.
Ravindra Jadeja could also return after Harsh Dubey's injury weakened India's left-arm spin options. Mohammed Siraj is expected to return to the ODI squad, while Jasprit Bumrah will be unavailable due to his Asian Games commitments.
The meeting could also have implications for Agarkar's future, with his current term nearing its end.