In a surprising turn of events, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against England. The match is scheduled to start on July 31 at The Oval in London. Pant suffered a fractured right foot during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which India lost by 67 runs.
As a result, the Indian selectors have called up Narayan Jagadeesan, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, as Pant’s replacement. But who is Jagadeesan? Why was he picked? And what does this mean for India in the final Test?
Let’s take a detailed look at the man who may step in during one of the most high-pressure games of the year.
Narayan Jagadeesan: The Basics
Narayan Jagadeesan is a 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Born on December 24, 1995, he has been a regular feature in Tamil Nadu’s domestic team for several years.
He is known for his solid batting technique, calm presence, and reliable glove work behind the stumps. While he is yet to play an international match for India, he has been on the radar of selectors for quite some time thanks to his strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
His Domestic Cricket Journey
Jagadeesan made his first-class debut in 2016 for Tamil Nadu. Since then, he has played over 50 matches in the format and has scored more than 3,300 runs at an average of around 47. His highest score in red-ball cricket is 183, and he has 10 centuries to his name.
In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he was one of the best-performing batters among all wicketkeeper options in the country. He scored 674 runs in 8 matches at an average of 56, including 2 centuries and 5 fifties. This strong form played a big role in him being considered for the national team.
In limited-overs cricket, Jagadeesan holds the record for the highest individual score in List A cricket—an incredible 277 runs in a single match during the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy. That performance caught attention across the cricket world.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Stint
Jagadeesan has also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for two seasons and later played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, his IPL career hasn’t been as successful. He has struggled to get regular chances and didn’t make a big impact in the T20 format.
That being said, he is known more for his performances in the longer formats, which is exactly what India needs for a Test series.
Why Jagadeesan Was Chosen
There are a few reasons why Jagadeesan was picked to replace Rishabh Pant:
1. Red-Hot Domestic Form
Jagadeesan has been among the top-performing wicketkeeper-batters in the country in red-ball cricket. His consistency in scoring runs made him stand out, especially when compared to other contenders.
2. Ishan Kishan Is Injured
Ishan Kishan was earlier considered to be Pant’s backup. However, he is also recovering from a foot injury and was unavailable for selection.
3. KS Bharat Was Overlooked
Another contender, KS Bharat, has already played Test matches for India, including some in England. But his recent performances have not been convincing, and the selectors seem to have preferred someone in better form.
4. The Need for a Second Wicketkeeper
With Rishabh Pant injured and Dhruv Jurel already in the squad, the team needed a backup wicketkeeper in case of emergency. Jagadeesan was the best available and fit the bill.
Reactions to His Selection
The news of Jagadeesan’s selection was met with mixed reactions. Many fans and former cricketers have welcomed the move, praising the selectors for backing domestic performers. Others have questioned whether giving a debut in such a high-stakes match is a good idea.
Jagadeesan, on his part, said the call-up did not come as a complete surprise. He had been preparing for the opportunity and was in touch with the team’s support staff. He received his UK visa just in time and is expected to join the squad in London soon.
What Challenges Lie Ahead
The fifth Test is not just any regular match. It’s the series decider. England leads the series 2–1, and India needs to win to level the series.
If Jagadeesan makes his debut, he will have to:
- Handle the pressure of playing his first international match.
- Keep wickets in English conditions, which are difficult due to swing and seam movement.
- Bat in a middle order that already lacks experience after Pant’s exit.
The expectations are high, and the margin for error is small. But this could also be a golden opportunity for Jagadeesan to show what he can do on the biggest stage.
India’s Wicketkeeper Options for The Oval
With Pant out, here’s how the options stack up:
- Dhruv Jurel: Likely to be the first-choice keeper. He played well in the fourth Test and did a decent job behind the stumps.
- Narayan Jagadeesan: Backup keeper. Might play if the team wants a stronger batter or if Jurel picks up an injury.
- KL Rahul: Can keep if needed, but is expected to play as a specialist batter.
What This Means for India
Losing Rishabh Pant is a big blow. He is not only India’s first-choice keeper but also a match-winner with the bat. His absence leaves a gap in both departments.
Jagadeesan brings consistency and reliability, but he does not have Pant’s aggressive style. The team may need to adjust its strategy and batting order depending on who takes up the keeping gloves.
