 Pathan has taken 115 one-day wickets in 73 internationals |
Pathan was sent home from the tour of South Africa to regain form, then took 1-43 in his sole appearance of the home series against West Indies.
He subsequently missed the Sri Lanka series with shoulder trouble.
"If he is not fit to bowl, he will not go, it's as simple as that," said chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar.
"Fitness is very important for Irfan because he has not played of late and it is the best opportunity for him to show his fitness."
Having looked for all the world like the Kapil Dev-style all-rounder who would lend balance to the team in the Caribbean, Pathan saw his form dip on the West Indies tour in mid-2006.
Pathan himself believes he will benefit from the difficult period he has endured.
He said on Thursday: "Whatever has happened in the last eight months has made me stronger. I am happy to have gone through this phase when I am 22, and not 28.
"Injury is not an issue, I'm confident of a good show in the Caribbean."
Pathan took only one wicket in three matches against South Africa.
"When you are taking wickets, no one talks about your line and length or your speed," he observed.
"But when you stop taking wickets, then people always try and find fault in the way you are bowling."
He has become almost as well known for his batting in recent times, often used as an explosive hitter, and fired four fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 47 against the South Africans.
But he maintained: "I have never called myself an all-rounder.
"The media has given me this tag. I have always maintained I am a bowler first and batting is just an added advantage."
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