Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant In Contention For West Indies ODIs

Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant are reportedly in contention to find a spot in the India ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies.

The selectors could spring a few surprises when they announce the squad for the West Indies series. The selectors might not only name a few unexpected players but could also drop some notable ones. As per report, Virat Kohli is set to lead the team despite reports suggesting that he might be rested keeping in mind the long tour of Australia and then New Zealand. Kohli had missed India’s triumphant Asia Cup-campaign and is set to don the captain’s hat again.

According to Mumbai Mirror, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant can also get the nod.

Jadeja had fallen down the pecking order in the ODI format. However, injuries to some players gave him an opportunity in the Asia Cup and he grabbed it with both the hands. In his very first outing, he picked the Man of the Match award after picking up 4 wickets for just 29 against Bangladesh. He also played a couple of impressive knocks in pressure situations as India won the Asia Cup.

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Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant In Contention For West Indies ODIs
Ravindra Jadeja can retain his spot in the ODI team for the West Indies series (Credits: Getty)

He recently scored his first Test ton in the first Test against West Indies.

The report further claims that the selectors might name as many as three wicketkeepers. While MS Dhoni remains the first choice, Dinesh Karthik and Rishab Pant could be included as specialist batsmen.

Rishabh Pant, who is yet to make his ODI debut, can get the nod due to Kedar Jadhav’s absence. Jadhav had sustained an injury during the final of the Asia Cup. On the other hand, Pant has been in fine form this year. After impressing in the IPL and for India A, he scored a Test to in England. In his last outing, he slammed 92 off just 84 against West Indies.

Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant In Contention For West Indies ODIs
Rishabh Pant can make his ODI debut during the India-West Indies series (Credits: Getty)

In bowling department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah could get a rest for the series. In their absence, the team-management will have a chance to try out the likes of Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed. Mohammed Shami can also make his comeback to the ODIs.

Allrounder Hardik Pandya can also miss the series due to an injury he sustained during the Asia Cup.

The five-match ODI series will get underway on November 21.

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