Narayan Jagadeesan, the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper, has been called up for his first Test match, replacing Rishabh Pant in India’s squad for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval starting on July 31. Jagadeesan, 29, is expected to join the squad in London by Tuesday, July 29, after securing his visa on Sunday morning. He will serve as a backup wicketkeeper to Dhruv Jurel, who has been filling in for the injured Pant in the previous two Tests.
Pant was ruled out after fracturing his right foot while batting in the first innings of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant, who bravely returned to bat after sustaining the injury and scored a half-century, will be monitored by the BCCI Medical Team during his recovery period. His absence is a significant blow to India, as he has been a key contributor with the bat in the series, scoring 479 runs at an average of 68.42, including two centuries and three half-centuries.
Jagadeesan’s inclusion in the squad comes as a reward for his consistent domestic performances, particularly in first-class cricket. He has topped the run charts for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy for the last two seasons, scoring 816 runs in 2023-24 and 674 runs in 2024-25, according to ESPN India. He has also shown adaptability by performing well in different batting positions. Jagadeesan’s impressive domestic record and selection as Pant’s replacement indicate the selectors’ confidence in his abilities to perform at the highest level.
Having consistently performed well in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, Narayan Jagadeesan has been a strong contender for national selection for some time.
He was the top run-scorer for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy for two consecutive seasons, scoring 816 runs at an average of 74.18 in 2023-24 and 674 runs at an average of 56.16 in 2024-25. Despite not being selected for the recent India A tour of England, Jagadeesan was part of the targeted players’ list at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence over the past year, highlighting the selectors’ recognition of his talent and potential.
Jagadeesan’s impressive First-Class record, which includes 3373 runs in 79 innings at an average of 47.50, with ten centuries and 14 half-centuries, further supports his selection. Notably, his highest First-Class score is 321 against Chandigarh in January 2024.
Beyond his statistical prowess, Jagadeesan’s adaptability to bat in various positions adds to his value as a player. His recent form is evident in his 41-ball 81 for Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League on July 4th. This will be Jagadeesan’s second visit to the United Kingdom, having previously captained a Tamil Nadu Colts team there last year.
