Overview

• Reports from Dainik Jagran and ESPNcricinfo indicate Pant remains in rehab and will sit out the two Tests starting October 2, with a potential return targeted for the South Africa series in November.
• BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the selection meeting will be held online on September 23 or 24 to finalise India’s Test squad.
• Pant is undergoing recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after a right‑foot fracture sustained in July, with estimates suggesting at least three to four more weeks before match fitness.
• Dhruv Jurel is expected to be named first-choice keeper, with Narayan Jagadeesan likely as backup, bolstered by Jurel’s recent India A century against Australia A.
• Shreyas Iyer remains in contention for a middle‑order recall despite skipping the second unofficial Test, while West Indies have named their touring squad and scheduled a six‑day camp in Ahmedabad.