There was a ruckus in the fourth Test match between India and England in Manchester when star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant got injured.
Pant fractured his toe while trying to play a reverse sweep on Chris Woakes’ ball, after which he is out of the fifth Test.
Now Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman N Jagadeesan is set to be included in the Indian team in his place.
But, Jagadeesan’s visa is not yet made, due to which it may take some time for him to reach England.
IND vs ENG: Why a setback for India?
Pant’s injury has given a big setback to the Indian team. The BCCI made it clear that Pant will no longer be wicketkeeping in this Test.
The BCCI statement was, “Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not take the field as a wicketkeeper for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will take up the wicketkeeping duties.”
Nevertheless, Pant showed courage and came out to bat on the second day.
The BCCI further said, “Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per the team’s requirements.”
But now there is news that Pant may be out of the entire series. This news has surprised the fans.
On the other hand, the selectors had chosen Ishan Kishan as Pant’s cover, but he is also unfit due to an ankle injury.
In such a situation, the turn of 29-year-old Jagadeesan came.
Sources said that the BCCI has contacted Jagadeesan and all the details like his shirt number have been taken.
A source said, “Jagadeesan has been training at the Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College (SREC) ground in Coimbatore for the last 10 days. He was working on his batting and wicketkeeping during this time, as he had also batted in the middle order during the recent Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).”
Jagdishan got a call from BCCI in the afternoon, in which he was given the good news of joining the Indian team.
He is currently waiting for the visa, which can be made in 48 hours. But there is little chance of him reaching before the Manchester Test ends.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also expressed concern over Pant’s injury.
He said, “Rishabh Pant’s absence is a 25% swing to England.”
For now, Jagdishan’s debut is awaited, who is ready to take advantage of this opportunity. But will he be able to fill the void of Pant? It will be interesting to see.
