IND vs WI Test series: End of road for Karun Kair, Rishabh Pant out

Karun Nair is likely to be dropped from the Test team after a poor series against England. The right-handed batter failed to justify his place, and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will prefer Devdutt Padikkal over him for the two-Test series against the West Indies. Rishabh Pant, who fractured his toe in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, hasn’t recovered and is not available for selection.

Although he batted in the first innings of the fourth Test and even scored a fifty, the southpaw needs time to return to action. It was earlier reported that he had started walking comfortably without any support, but a new update from ESPNcricinfo suggests that the wicket-keeper is to resume training.

Meanwhile, the decision-makers have decided to move on from Karun Nair, and Devdutt Padikkal is the frontrunner who will take his place. The selection panel meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday or Thursday.

Dhruv Jurel is now Team India’s No.1 wicket after Pant’s setback. Shubman Gill will lead the side, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to open the innings. Sai Sudharsan will be retained for the upcoming assignment.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is going to get the nod as head coach Gautam Gambhir prefers all-rounders. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar will be the three spinners, with Mohammed Siraj leading the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is likely to be rested.

Narayan Jagadeesan will be the second wicketkeeper. The first Test will be played in Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, followed by the second red-ball game in New Delhi from October 10 to 14.