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N Jagadeesan Likely to Replace Injured Rishabh Pant for Final Test of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
BCCI Set to Name Jagadeesan as Pant’s Replacement After Toe Injury
India are expected to bring in Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan as a replacement for the injured Rishabh Pant ahead of the fifth and final Test of the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Pant has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a right toe fracture he sustained while batting during Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
The national selectors, along with the BCCI and the team management, have been closely evaluating options, and Jagadeesan has emerged as the top candidate. An official announcement is expected imminently.
Pant’s Injury Forces Urgent Search for a Backup Wicketkeeper
Team Management Scrambles for a Last-Minute Replacement
Rishabh Pant’s absence is a major blow to India, especially considering his key role in the middle order and his agility behind the stumps. His injury—caused by a blow to the toe while batting—required immediate medical attention, ruling him out of the series.
With the fifth Test looming, the selectors needed to act swiftly. Although Dhruv Jurel is already part of the Test squad and is currently donning the gloves at Old Trafford, India needed an additional wicketkeeping backup. The original plan was to select someone from the India A tour that preceded this series. However, limited availability and form meant that Jagadeesan, with his consistent domestic red-ball performances, came into the picture.
📎 Related Article: Dhruv Jurel Impresses in Debut Test Series Against England
N Jagadeesan: A Consistent Performer in Domestic Cricket
Stellar First-Class Numbers Seal the Deal
N Jagadeesan, 29, has been one of the most reliable batters in India’s domestic circuit, particularly in the longer format. In 52 first-class matches, he has scored 3373 runs at an impressive average of 47.50, including 10 centuries and 14 fifties.
His most recent Ranji Trophy season showcased his consistency and temperament, as he scored 674 runs in 8 matches at an average of 56.16, with two centuries and five fifties. Among Indian wicketkeepers, he was second only to Akshay Wadkar of Vidarbha in the overall run tally.
These statistics, combined with his ability to handle pressure and his solid glovework, have made him the frontrunner to replace Pant.
Why Not Kishan, Bharat, or Rahul?
Options Evaluated but Not Picked
The selectors did consider Ishan Kishan, but the left-handed keeper-batter from Jharkhand was unavailable due to injury. KS Bharat, who is currently playing club cricket in England, also came under the radar. Bharat, who has prior Test experience in English conditions, was surprisingly not considered this time.
KL Rahul, a senior player with wicketkeeping credentials in white-ball formats, including the World Cup and Champions Trophy, remains an emergency option but is not likely to take up the gloves in this red-ball format unless required.
Fifth Test: India Gears Up for Final Showdown
The fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is expected to be fiercely contested, with the series hanging in balance. The inclusion of Jagadeesan—though still unofficial—would give India a competent backup and allow the team management more flexibility as they prepare for the final match.
Jagadeesan is expected to join the squad in England soon, once formalities are completed. His addition will mark another chapter in a year where India’s depth in domestic cricket continues to prove its value at the international level.
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