Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan has received his maiden national call-up, joining the Indian squad in England after Rishabh Pant’s injury and Ishan Kishan’s unavailability.
Pant’s Injury Woes Continue
India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, has been sidelined from keeping duties for the remainder of the Old Trafford Test due to a right foot injury sustained on Day 1. This isn’t his first injury concern on the tour; he also suffered a hand injury at Lord’s, where Dhruv Jurel stepped in behind the stumps.
The BCCI confirmed that while Pant won’t be keeping wickets, he remains available to bat if needed. He even came out to a standing ovation at Old Trafford to bat in the first session of Day 2.
With Pant now ruled out of the crucial fifth Test at The Oval, India needed a replacement. Dhruv Jurel, already part of the squad and having kept wickets previously, is expected to be the first-choice keeper for the final match.
The Search for a Backup Keeper
The selectors initially looked at Ishan Kishan as a potential replacement, especially since he had been playing County fixtures recently. However, Kishan informed the selectors that an ankle injury would prevent him from recovering in time or gaining full match fitness.
Another option considered was KS Bharat. However, selectors reportedly weren’t keen on recalling him after he failed to capitalize on his opportunities during the home Test series against England.
Introducing N Jagadeesan: India’s Newest Call-Up
With other options unavailable, N Jagadeesan, who was next in line, received the call. The 29-year-old Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and has been part of the India A setup recently.
Jagadeesan boasts an impressive first-class record, with 3373 runs from 52 matches at an average of 47.50, including 10 centuries and 14 fifties. Primarily an opener, he is also known for his aggressive batting style and solid wicketkeeping skills.
Selectors have kept a close eye on Jagadeesan. Last season, when Rishabh Pant was recovering from injury, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar even flew to Chennai to watch him play a Ranji fixture against Karnataka. Jagadeesan now awaits his visa to join the team in England as soon as possible.
- Rishabh Pant is out of the 5th Test due to injury, and Dhruv Jurel is likely to keep wickets.
- Ishan Kishan was unavailable due to an ankle injury.
- N Jagadeesan, 29, receives his maiden India call-up.
- Jagadeesan has a strong first-class record with over 3300 runs and 10 centuries.
This call-up highlights India’s depth in wicketkeeping talent and the selectors’ willingness to back consistent domestic performers in challenging situations.
