N Jagadeesan likely to replace injured Rishabh Pant in India Test squad - Report

Jagadeesan likely to replace injured Rishabh Pant in India Test squad

N Jagadeesan is reportedly set to replace the injured Rishabh Pant for the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. A report in Cricbuzz stated that the inclusion of the Tamil Nadu right-handed keeper-batter in the squad is all but confirmed, with an official announcement expected shortly.

The national selectors, the touring team management, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had been on the lookout for a suitable replacement for Pant, who has been ruled out of the series due to a fractured right toe. The injury occurred while Pant was batting on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Also Read - BCCI updates 'Rishabh Pant will be available to bat...' as reports of fractured toe emerge

Ishan Kishan was initially considered by the team management and selectors as a potential replacement. However, as per a Times of India report, the 27-year-old Jharkhand wicketkeeper is unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained in an accident.

"Ishan has suffered an ankle injury and has ten stitches on his left foot after he fell from a scooty," a source tracking the development was quoted as saying in the report. "Selectors did reach out to Ishan, but only on Thursday. His stitches have been removed and he currently has a plaster on his left ankle."

Ishan was earlier reported to be in line to replace Pant, who has been advised six weeks of rest after sustaining the toe fracture.

Also Read - 'He fell from scooty, has plaster on left ankle': Ishan Kishan, tipped to replace Rishabh Pant, also injured

The BCCI, in an official update, confirmed: "Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements."

The statement also noted that Pant "will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper."

With Pant out and Ishan unavailable, the selectors have zeroed in on the 29-year-old Jagadeesan, who is expected to link up with the team ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.