Reports: India vice-captain set to miss West Indies Test series

Rishabh Pant reportedly not fit for WI Tests

India's two-match home Test series against the West Indies starts right after the conclusion of the Asia Cup, from October 2. India's squad for the series is expected to be announced soon, but preliminary reports suggest Rishabh Pant is all set to miss the bus.

Pant suffered a fracture on his right foot while batting during the fourth Test of the England series and was ruled out of the fifth game. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, he is currently "undergoing strength and conditioning and is awaiting further updates from the BCCI medical team before he can resume batting and keeping."

Another report by Dainik Jagran mentions that Pant could need another three to four weeks to recover and might be back for the South Africa series in November.

Who can replace Rishabh Pant for West Indies series?

Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill was named India's Test captain and Pant was his deputy for the England tour. But more than his leadership, India would miss his batting contributions. Over the years, Pant has established himself as a vital cog in India's Test middle order, a responsibility which has only grown in stature after Virat Kohli earlier this year.

India played Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeper at The Oval when Pant was injured. Jurel struck a 140 for India A against Australia A last week, which all but makes him a certainty to be the lead keeper against the West Indies.

Also read: Jurel the batter, Iyer in or out? The questions for India's middle order ahead of the West Indies Tests

For backup, India might look towards N Jagadeesan, who was called up for the fifth Test in England as well. Like Jurel, Jagadeesan is currently playing for India A and has been in tremendous form, with his last four first-class scores reading 81, 197 and 52 not out, and 64.