IND vs ENG: Not Ishan Kishan, N Jagadeesan to Replace Rishabh Pant in India Squad
N Jagadeesan likely to replace injured Rishabh Pant as Ishan Kishan not available for India vs England 5th Test.
Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan is all set to be named as Rishabh Pant’s replacement for the fifth and final Test between India and England. The 29-year-old is the front-runner after Ishan Kishan was ruled out of contention for personal reasons.
The selectors, along with the BCCI and team management, were in search of a suitable backup after Pant fractured his right toe during Day 1 of the Manchester Test. Pant had retired hurt on 37 after taking a painful blow from Chris Woakes while attempting a reverse sweep.
Though he bravely returned to bat on Day 2 under painkillers, the scan results confirmed a serious injury that now rules him out of the series. With the fifth Test set to begin at The Oval from July 31, the Indian team needed an immediate wicketkeeping option.
While Ishan Kishan was initially considered, sources confirmed that the 27-year-old from Jharkhand was not available. That has opened the door for Jagadeesan, who is expected to fly to England soon.
Jagadeesan, who has been consistent in domestic cricket and recently impressed with both bat and gloves in the Duleep Trophy, will now have a big opportunity to make his mark in the longest format.
India trail 2–1 in the series and the Oval Test will be a must-win game if they want to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
