Will N Jagadeesan Get His Maiden Call-Up for the Fifth Test Against England as Pant's Replacement?
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Synopsis
As the cricketing world awaits news, N Jagadeesan stands on the brink of his first call-up to the Indian Test team. With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to injury, the upcoming match against England could be a monumental opportunity for Jagadeesan. Will he rise to the occasion? Find out the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
- N Jagadeesan is likely to debut for the Indian Test team.
- Rishabh Pant's injury has opened up opportunities for emerging players.
- Jagadeesan has a strong domestic record, making him a deserving candidate.
- Ishan Kishan's injury rules him out of contention.
- Dhruv Jurel will be the wicketkeeper for the upcoming Test.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan is poised for a potential first-time selection to the Indian Test squad for the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy match against England, stepping in for the injured Rishabh Pant. A formal announcement from the BCCI is anticipated shortly.
According to sources from IANS, Jagadeesan is currently traveling to Chennai from his hometown, Coimbatore, to begin the visa process and join the Indian Test team in England as soon as possible. Furthermore, Ishan Kishan, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter who recently participated in a county championship with Nottinghamshire, was also considered for the squad.
However, it has been reported that Kishan is recovering from a left ankle injury and will not be ready in time for the Test starting on July 31 at The Oval. Another option discussed was KS Bharat, who is currently in England for a stint with Dulwich CC in the 2025 Surrey Championship, but it seems he is no longer in contention for a call-up to the Test team.
Another potential backup Indian wicketkeeper is KL Rahul, but it remains unclear if this option was considered by the selection committee and team management. Jagadeesan has an impressive record in 52 first-class matches, amassing 3,373 runs with 10 centuries and 14 fifties, averaging 47.50.
He has been a consistent performer for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, scoring 674 runs in the last Ranji Trophy season over eight matches at an average of 56.16, which included two centuries and five fifties.
Jagadeesan’s likely selection follows Pant's injury during the 68th over of India’s innings on the first day when he attempted a premeditated reverse sweep against all-rounder Chris Woakes. The ball struck his right foot after taking an inside edge.
The swelling on the top of his foot resembled a table tennis ball, with some bleeding, making it impossible for Pant to place weight on his injured foot. He was eventually taken off the field in an ambulance buggy resembling a golf cart, having retired hurt after scoring 37 runs off 48 balls and forming a 72-run partnership with B. Sai Sudharsan.
Subsequent scans indicated that Pant has suffered a fracture on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, necessitating a recovery period of at least six weeks, which excludes him from the upcoming fifth Test against England.
On the second day of play, Pant arrived at the ground wearing a moonboot but still batted for India as per team needs, according to a BCCI statement. Dhruv Jurel has been announced to take on wicketkeeping duties for the Manchester Test. Pant surprised everyone by returning to bat and scored a commendable 54 runs off 75 balls—a performance that will be remembered for years.
After retiring hurt on day one, Pant managed to add 17 more runs to India's total, helping the visitors cross the 350-run mark. With his injury, Jurel is likely to feature in the starting eleven for the fifth and final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series after being part of India's 'A' squad for two tour games against the England Lions.
Point of View
The anticipation surrounding N Jagadeesan's potential call-up reflects the depth of talent in Indian cricket. While Rishabh Pant's injury is unfortunate, it opens up avenues for emerging players to showcase their skills on an international platform. The BCCI's timely decision-making will be crucial in ensuring the team remains competitive in the upcoming Test.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury has Rishabh Pant sustained?
Rishabh Pant has suffered a fracture on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, which requires a recovery period of at least six weeks.
Who is likely to replace Rishabh Pant?
N Jagadeesan is most likely to be called up as a replacement for Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Test against England.
What is N Jagadeesan's record in domestic cricket?
In 52 first-class matches, N Jagadeesan has scored 3,373 runs, averaging 47.50 with 10 centuries and 14 fifties.
Will Ishan Kishan be available for selection?
Ishan Kishan is currently recovering from a left ankle injury and is not expected to be fit in time for the Test.
Who will take wicketkeeping duties for the upcoming Test?
Dhruv Jurel is set to take over wicketkeeping responsibilities for the Manchester Test.
