Who replaces Rishabh Pant in India’s XI for IND vs WI 2025-26? Dhruv Jurel and Narayan Jagadeesan battle for wicketkeeper slot.
The Indian cricket team management will have a crucial decision to make ahead of the West Indies series: who will replace the injured Rishabh Pant behind the stumps?
The two leading contenders, Dhruv Jurel and Narayan Jagadeesan, each bring unique credentials and recent stellar performances to the table. The final choice could shape India’s new era of wicketkeeper-batters, with both youth and experience knocking on the door.
Dhruv Jurel: Rising to the challenge
At just 24, Dhruv Jurel has established himself as one of India’s brightest young talents in red-ball cricket. Making his Test debut against England in February 2024, Jurel impressed from the outset, scoring a composed 46 in his very first innings.
His maturity under pressure has stood out, most notably during the 2024 England series. In the Ranchi Test, with India under severe stress at 177/7, Jurel’s magnificent 90 anchored a revival that proved vital for victory.
He was also part of India’s historic victory against Australia in Perth later that year and contributed with a fighting 39 during the final Test against England at The Oval in 2025.
In the five Tests that he has played so far, he has scored 255 runs at an average of 36.42, with nine catches and two stumpings, reinforcing his all-round ability as a keeper-batter. His exploits are not confined to the international arena; in first-class cricket, Jurel’s statistics are even more impressive: 1,712 runs in 27 matches at an average of 48.91, with two centuries and 13 fifties.
The Duleep Trophy has also showcased Jurel’s versatility. He was named captain of the Central Zone squad for the 2025 edition and contributed steadily, although his recent campaign was unfortunately cut short by illness. Earlier, he had enhanced his reputation with crucial scores in the Ranji Trophy and for India A, including a poised 94 against England Lions, preparing him well for international exposure.
Jurel’s wicketkeeping is widely considered sharp, marked by safe hands and agility. His ability to stand in for Pant during high-pressure England Tests, where he took key catches and executed difficult stumpings, demonstrates India’s growing trust in him.
Read More: Notable performers for India A in unofficial Test series against Australia A
Narayan Jagadeesan: The consistent performer
Narayan Jagadeesan, meanwhile, is on the cusp of converting years of domestic promise into a consistent international presence. The 29-year-old Tamil Nadu star has long been regarded as “Mr Reliable” in India’s domestic cricket, breaking records and anchoring many triumphs with South Zone and Tamil Nadu. A prime example was in the recent Duleep Trophy 2025, where Jagadeesan scored a stellar 197 for South Zone, reaffirming his red-ball credentials and drawing further attention from selectors.
Jagadeesan’s first-class numbers are exceptional: in 55 matches, he’s amassed 3,760 runs at an average of 50.13, including 11 hundreds and 16 fifties, with a career-best of 321. He was in splendid form during the latest Ranji season, piling up 674 runs in eight matches at an average of 56.16. His consistent performance, particularly in high-pressure zonal finals and Ranji fixtures, emphasise on his readiness for elevation to the permanent Test squad.
Jagadeesan has been in and around the Test side as a backup option. He earned a Test call-up as Pant’s replacement during the fifth Test against England at The Oval, and has now officially been picked in India’s 15-member squad for the West Indies series as wicketkeeper-batter alongside Jurel. Jagadeesan also boasts a world record in List A cricket, having scored 277 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, surpassing Rohit Sharma’s celebrated mark.
In List A, he averages 46.23, with nine centuries, and in T20s, he has notched up 1,475 runs at over 31 per innings. Adding to his all-round package, he has effected over 200 dismissals as keeper in domestic cricket.
A feature of Jagadeesan’s game is adaptability: whether opening, batting in the middle order, or keeping wickets, he slots seamlessly into team plans. His experience with Tamil Nadu, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL means he is accustomed to handling pressure, leadership, and tricky match situations.
Read More: IND vs WI 2025-26: Sudharsan or Padikkal – Who will be India’s no. 3 batter?
Who will get the gloves for IND vs WI Test series?
With both contenders selected in the Test squad for the West Indies series, the big question is who will start as India’s wicketkeeper.
If the team management prefers continuity and wants to reward recent success, Dhruv Jurel appears to be the first-choice. His poise against England, winning streak since debut, and strong chemistry with India’s young Test setup make him a natural pick should the core of the side remain unchanged.
However, if selectors wish to invest in a slightly more attacking, experienced option, or rotate the gloves to test bench strength, Narayan Jagadeesan’s prolific domestic season and near-miss entry during the England series could sway decision-makers in his favour.
Both are keepers in good touch, both warrant selection, and both represent the next era of India’s wicketkeeper-batters in the absence of Rishabh Pant. If recent momentum and stability are valued most, Jurel should get the cap. If India wants to explore bold, fresh combinations, Jagadeesan’s time may have arrived.
Read More: IND vs WI 2025-26: Who will be India’s no. 6 batter?
