Rishabh Pant’s replacement announced ahead of fifth Test against England

India have named uncapped Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan in their Test squad for the fifth and final match against England, starting Thursday at The Oval.

Jagadeesan replaces Rishabh Pant, who has been ruled out after fracturing his right foot during the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant had earlier suffered a finger injury in the third Test and will miss the series decider.

The 29-year-old Jagadeesan is expected to join the squad in London by Tuesday after obtaining his visa on Sunday. He will act as a backup to Dhruv Jurel, who has kept wickets in Pant’s absence in the last two Tests.

Jagadeesan has impressed with his consistent performances in domestic cricket. He was Tamil Nadu’s leading run-scorer in two consecutive Ranji Trophy seasons — scoring 816 runs at an average of 74.18 in 2023–24, and 674 runs at 56.16 in 2024–25.

Since making his first-class debut in 2016, he has scored 3,373 runs in 79 innings at an average of 47.50. His record includes 10 centuries and 14 fifties, with a career-best score of 321 against Chandigarh in January 2024.

Though he was not picked for the India A squad for the recent shadow tour of England, Jagadeesan has been part of the BCCI’s targeted player group in the past year.

Earlier this month, he played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League for Chepauk Super Gillies, smashing 81 off 41 balls on July 4. This will be Jagadeesan’s second visit to the UK, having led a Tamil Nadu Colts side on tour last year.

England currently lead the five-match series 2-1.