Ishan Kishan Declines India Call-Up, India’s Final Test Wicketkeeper Twist Explained

Just when the Indian Test team was getting ready to deal with Rishabh Pant not being around, something else surprising happened. Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batter who seemed like the obvious choice to take Pant’s spot for the England Test series, said no to joining the team. And it wasn’t because he was out of shape or didn’t want to play.

The reason was actually pretty strange and a bit sad.

Ishan Kishan Injured: Jumped Off a Scooty

Ishan Kishan apparently injured his left ankle when he “jumped off a moving scooty.” The claim is supported by a number of sources including Cricbuzz, and the details apparently get worse: a significant injury requiring stitches that made him unfit to travel to England at short notice.

According to reports, the selectors had to consider different options due to the injury—as Kishan was also fresh from the County Championship with Nottinghamshire— where he scored 87 and 77, and put himself in a serious position for a return to the Test squad for India. But the freak accident put a stop to that.

Ishan Kishan as the First Choice

The selection panel, headed by Ajit Agarkar, contacted Kishan as soon as it was confirmed that Rishabh Pant would miss the series because of his slow recovery. However, Kishan had to turn down the offer due to his own injury.

This sudden change left the team without a backup wicketkeeper right before the important fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Also Read: Dhruv Jurel Creates World Record as Substitute Wicketkeeper in India-England 4th Test

Looks like Jagadeesan might take Kishan’s spot in the India squad

Since Kishan is out, the selectors are thinking about bringing in N Jagadeesan, the wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu, as a replacement.

Jagadeesan has some good numbers in first-class cricket:

• 52 Matches
• 3,373 Runs
• 133 Catches
• 14 Stumpings

Cricbuzz says Jagadeesan is almost certain to be in the Indian squad for the last Test match against England. He’s been playing well in domestic cricket for a while, and this could be his big chance.

Will Jagadeesan Get the XI?

While Jagadeesan can be included in the squad, it is unclear whether he will get on the final playing XI. Dhruv Jurel, who has kept wickets for India recently is still in good form and could keep his spot in the side.

Jurel has been outstanding with consistency and his glove work has also been excellent, so it is close between the two young keepers to take that final spot behind the wickets.

From Rishabh Pant’s injury to Ishan Kishan’s unexpected scooter accident, and now Jagadeesan’s surprise call-up, the wicketkeeper spot for Team India has been full of twists ahead of the final Test against England.

While Ishan’s injury was unfortunate and strange, it might give someone like Jagadeesan a chance to shine on the big stage. Either way, everyone will be watching closely to see who wears the gloves when India steps onto the field for the final Test.