Team India Selection: Hardik, Pant and Jadeja in Focus for West Indies Series

The West Indies are set to tour India for a limited-overs series, with the two teams scheduled to play three ODIs from September 27 and five T20Is from October 6. India’s senior selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to meet in Delhi on Wednesday to finalise the squads for the upcoming series. The T20I squad could largely continue with the same players selected for the Asian Games, while the ODI selection has become an interesting subject as the continental event overlaps with the series.

Hardik Pandya, who has recovered from injury and regained fitness, is reportedly in contention for a place in the ODI squad. He has already been selected for the three-match ODI series between India A and Australia A. Rishabh Pant could also make his return to the ODI setup after being largely involved in Test cricket recently. With Ishan Kishan set to travel to Japan for the Asian Games, Pant could be considered as KL Rahul’s backup. If the selectors opt for Dhruv Jurel instead, Pant could lead Rest of India in the Irani Cup. With Shreyas Iyer unavailable, Ruturaj Gaikwad could be considered for the No. 4 position, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rajat Patidar may feature among the reserve options. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could also receive a call-up.