'It almost seems like the selectors are not looking at him' - Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant's ODI snub

India announced its ODI squad for the West Indies tour on September 16, 2026. The selection sparked immediate debate after Rishabh Pant was left out despite being available for the series. Dhruv Jurel was preferred as the backup wicketkeeping option, marking a significant shift in the team's approach to the position.

Pant had held the backup wicketkeeper spot before being dropped ahead of the home ODI series against Afghanistan. His last ODI appearance came on August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka. The vacancy for backup wicketkeeper arose after Ishan Kishan's involvement in the Asian Games 2026 left him unavailable for the West Indies tour.

"Rishabh Pant could have been in the ODI team because Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are not available, but Dhruv Jurel has been preferred. He has pipped him to the post. It almost seems like the selectors have said that we're not looking at you for ODIs. He has been out for the last couple of series. There is no issue of form with him because he scored runs in Sri Lanka," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Jurel's elevation to ODI cricket

Chopra's assessment reflects the broader selection strategy adopted by the team management. Jurel earned his recall to the ODI setup after last featuring during the tour of Australia the previous year. His recent performance in Test cricket, including a maiden overseas hundred of 115 not out during the second Test against Sri Lanka, has strengthened his case for white-ball inclusion.

Jurel's elevation to the ODI squad represents a significant development in his international career. The wicketkeeper-batter had been part of the Test team but was now being given an opportunity in the shorter format. Chopra acknowledged this shift in the selection committee's thinking regarding Jurel's role in India's cricket plans.

"Dhruv Jurel's name is another big development, because he was only part of the Test team till now. It seemed like his name will come up for the other teams one day, and that day has come. He is a part of the ODI team as well now," Chopra said.

Nabi's maiden white-ball call-up

The squad also featured maiden white-ball call-ups for Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi. Nabi had received a Test call-up during the tour of Sri Lanka but had not made his debut in that format. His inclusion in the ODI squad raised questions about the team's fast bowling strategy and the specific role he would play in the series.

"Auqib Nabi in ODI cricket, now that is an interesting development because you are not playing him. You kept him in the Test team and did not play him, but now you have included him in the ODI team. Prima facie makes you think that he is not an ODI bowler, but he is in the team, who knows, he might even get a chance to play. This is a young-looking fast bowling attack," Chopra said.