Despite Rishabh Pant coming out to bat on the 2nd Day of the Manchester Test, Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan is set to be added as a replacement for the final Test in place of the vice-captain. Pant took a painful hit to his right foot on the first day of the 4th Test. The 29-year-old is expected to join the squad once his UK visa is processed, although that process that could take up to 48 hours. Pant sustained the injury while attempting a reverse sweep on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford and had to retire hurt. Though he bravely returned to bat on Day 2, he has been ruled out from wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the match. With Ishan Kishan also unavailable due to an ankle injury, the selectors turned to Jagadeesan. Jagadeesan has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu. In 52 first-class matches, he has scored 3373 runs at an impressive average of 47.50. His red-ball record includes 10 centuries and 14 fifties.
During the previous Ranji Trophy season, he was Tamil Nadu’s top scorer. He made 674 runs in eight matches at an average of 56.16, with two centuries and five half-centuries. Among wicketkeepers in the competition, only Vidarbha’s Akshay Wadkar had more runs. The team management also had the option of bringing in KS Bharat, who is currently playing club cricket in England and has Test experience in English conditions. However, they opted to back Jagadeesan’s domestic form.
Poll
Should N Jagadeesan be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the final Test?
While Jagadeesan is not likely to be available in time for the ongoing fourth Test, he is expected to be part of the squad for the final match of the series. The Indian team in England too, has Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul to call upon, if needed to keep wickets. For a player who has patiently built a solid first-class career, Pant’s sudden setback could open the way for the 29-year-old for his big break at the international level. Jagadeesan is yet to represent the country at the international level in any format.
