Who Will Be India’s Next Wicketkeeper for India vs West Indies Test Series 2025

Rishabh Pant injury update: With Kishan & Jurel out, India eye Jagadeesan or Jitesh Sharma as keeper for West Indies Test Series 2025

N Jagadeesan Test debut
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As the countdown begins for India vs West Indies Test Series 2025, the Indian cricket team faces one of its biggest selection headaches in recent memory. With just a month to go before the two-match Test battle kicks off, the selectors and team management are under pressure to solve the wicketkeeper problem.

The situation looks grim as all three of India’s first-choice wicketkeepers — Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Dhruv Jurel — are unavailable due to injuries. This injury crisis has not only unsettled India’s Test squad balance but has also forced the selectors to look at backup options like N Jagadeesan and Jitesh Sharma.

The pressure on India to fix this problem is also high considering they have been having a bad time in Test cricket in recent times.Earlier this year, India suffered a shocking 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home, their first-ever Test whitewash in Indian conditions. The result also ended India’s 12-year unbeaten home Test streak, despite New Zealand missing star batter Kane Williamson. With history at stake, the West Indies series 2025 is seen as India’s golden opportunity to bounce back.

Adding to the narrative, the West Indies cricket team hasn’t won a Test series in India since 1983, which makes this clash even more significant for Rohit Sharma’s men.

Rishabh pant's injury Image: screengrab

RISHABH PANT INJURY UPDATE : STILL IN FRACTURE BOOT

The Rishabh Pant injury update continues to worry Indian cricket fans. Pant fractured his foot on July 23, and while his return was initially expected within four weeks, he is still in a fracture boot after more than five weeks. Pant’s absence is a huge setback because he has been India’s most impactful wicketkeeper-batsman in recent years. His aggressive batting style and ability to turn matches in the longest format are irreplaceable, making his recovery crucial for future series.

image credit: Facebook/IshanKishan

ISHAN KISHAN ACCIDENT : UNLUCKY SETBACK

The Ishan Kishan injury update adds to India’s woes. Kishan, while representing his county side in July, suffered a freak e-bike accident that required 10 stitches in his leg. The southpaw is now undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru, and is unlikely to feature in the India vs West Indies Test Series 2025. His absence eliminates another aggressive left-handed batting option from India’s lineup.

image credit: Facebook/DhruvJurel

DHRUV JUREL INJURY : GROIN ISSUE STRIKES

Dhruv Jurel, who showcased promising wicketkeeping skills during India’s England tour, has also been ruled out with a groin injury. He was appointed vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy, but fitness issues forced him to miss the quarterfinals. His availability for the semifinals also looks doubtful, leaving selectors scrambling for alternatives.

credit: Screengrab

N JAGADEESAN : THE FRONT-RUNNER FOR TEST CALL-UP

With Pant, Kishan, and Jurel injured, the spotlight now shifts to N Jagadeesan, Tamil Nadu’s wicketkeeper-batsman. Though he traveled with the Indian team as a backup on the England tour, he hasn’t yet received his India Test debut.

Jagadeesan’s domestic record speaks volumes. During the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, he made 674 runs in 8 matches with an average of 56.16 and 2 centuries and 5 fifties. His consistency earned him a place in the South Zone Duleep Trophy squad. Known for his solid technique and temperament, Jagadeesan appears to be the most dependable choice if India wants stability in the middle order during the West Indies Test series 2025.

image credit: Facebook/Jiteshsharma

JITESH SHARMA COMEBACK : THE FINISHER’S STORY

Another strong candidate is Jitesh Sharma, who has made a return to the Indian squad after a year. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman played a pivotal role in helping Bengaluru lift their maiden IPL title in 2025.

Jitesh has played 15 matches in IPL 2025 with 261 runs at an average of 37 and a bang rate of 176. His finishing skills caught the attention of the selectors, who are now considering him for the India vs West Indies Test squad.

Veteran cricketer Dinesh Karthik praised Jitesh Sharma’s development, saying he has mastered the art of finishing games under pressure. Earlier, he often played short impactful cameos but failed to deliver match-winning innings. Over time, Jitesh learned to carry his team over the line — a rare quality in Indian cricket. His return provides India with an X-factor, especially if the team opts for a more attacking option behind the stumps.

India’s Wicketkeeper Dilemma : Who Will Play in the West Indies Series?

The major one is, Who will be the wicketkeeper of India in the Test series against West Indies 2025.?

  • If selectors prefer stability and consistency, N Jagadeesan is the likely candidate.
  • If they want a game-changing finisher, Jitesh Sharma could be the surprise inclusion.

This decision will play a major role in shaping India’s fortunes against the West Indies cricket team, which is eager to break its four-decade-long winless streak in India.

Thoughts :

The India vs West Indies Test Series 2025 is more than just another bilateral contest. For India, it is a chance to erase the disappointment of the New Zealand Test whitewash and reassert their dominance at home. But with the Rishabh Pant injury update still uncertain, and both Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel unavailable, the selectors have tough calls to make.

Whether N Jagadeesan makes his debut or Jitesh Sharma grabs his chance, the series will test India’s depth and adaptability. One thing is certain — when the first Test begins, all eyes will be on the man behind the stumps, whose performance could decide the fate of the series.

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