Ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman Narayan Jagadeesan is scheduled to join India’s squad as a replacement for the injured Rishabh Pant. With Ishan Kishan also out due to an unfortunate tragedy, Jagadeesan is considered the frontrunner to take the pitch at The Oval.

Pant, India’s vice-captain and primary wicketkeeper, fractured his right toe while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The blow was severe enough to drive him off the pitch in a buggy, and further scans indicated a metatarsal fracture. Despite being told to rest for six to eight weeks, Pant boldly returned to bat on Day 2 and received acclaim.

With Pant now ruled out for the rest of the series, the Indian team management and BCCI began exploring replacement options. Initially, Kishan was being considered. The 27-year-old had impressed during his stint with Nottinghamshire in the County Championship, scoring two fifty-plus scores against Yorkshire and Somerset, respectively. However, as per a report by The Times of India, Kishan suffered an ankle injury after falling from a scooter and has ten stitches on his left foot, with his leg now in a plaster. This injury has ruled him out of contention for the Oval Test.

As a result, the selectors have turned to N Jagadeesan, a 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu.

The right-handed batter has so far featured in 52 first-class matches, scoring 3373 runs. Notably, an official announcement from the BCCI is expected shortly. Jagadeesan is likely to join the team ahead of the fifth Test, which begins later this week.  Pant’s injury marks his second setback in consecutive Tests. In the Lord’s Test, he had suffered a blow to his left index finger while keeping, which had already raised concerns about his workload. His return to bat in Manchester, despite his fractured toe, drew praise from fans and legends.