BCCI’s selection committee led by MSK Prasad is all set to pick the ODI squad for the limited-overs leg of the ongoing home series against the West Indies on Thursday (October 11).

It is still uncertain whether the squad will be announced for the first three games or the entire series, which comprised of five ODIs and three T20Is.

As per a report in PTI, MS Dhoni’s poor batting form is a cause of concern for the Men in Blue and thus the selectors might include the young Rishabh Pant as the veteran wicketkeeper’s cover. Skipper Virat Kohli’s presence will be another major discussion considering India’s upcoming assignments.

“We all know that Dhoni will play till the World Cup, but there is no harm in grooming Pant, who could be a terrific No.6 or 7 batsman, who has the ability to finish games,” a senior BCCI official privy to selection matters told PTI.

Rishabh Pant has forced his case in white-ball cricket with some impressive performances in Test cricket lately. In his debut Test series in England, Pant scored a majestic ton in the fifth Test at The Oval and followed it with a stroke-filled 92 in Rajkot against the West Indies.

There are a few other permutations that the selectors might ponder over. Kedar Jadhav’s dodgy hamstring might open up one potential middle-order batting slot.

Report also suggests that Ambati Rayudu will retain his place even if Kohli decides to play as he was thoroughly consistent in the Asia Cup 2018. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are set to come back after a much-needed break during the ongoing Test series while Ravindra Jadeja is also expected to retain his place.

(With PTI inputs)