Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan is likely to be drafted into the Indian Test squad in England as a cover for Rishabh Pant, who sustained a metatarsal fracture on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. According to a report by TimesofIndia.com, the selectors approached Jagadeesan after Ishan Kishan, next in line for wicketkeeping duties, was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Jagadeesan, who has been training at the Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College (SREC) ground in Coimbatore for the past ten days, was informed about his selection by the BCCI. While he is ready in terms of fitness and form, he is currently awaiting visa clearance, which is being fast-tracked. Even with priority processing (usually completed within 48 hours), it is unlikely he will arrive in the UK before the conclusion of the ongoing fourth Test.

The Times of India report cites a source saying that Jagadeesan has been working consistently on both his batting and wicket-keeping, particularly after a solid TNPL season where he played in the middle order. The BCCI has already collected all formal information from him, including his jersey number.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, despite his injury, returned to bat on Day 2. However, the BCCI clarified that he would not keep wickets for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel has taken over as the designated wicketkeeper in Pant’s absence, as confirmed in an official statement from the board.