Who is Narayan Jagadeesan, Pant’s likely replacement for Oval Test?

Dubai: As Rishabh Pant hobbled off Old Trafford with a fractured toe — only to return heroically for a gritty fifty — India’s injury crisis deepened. But in crisis comes opportunity. Narayan Jagadeesan, a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, is now in line to make his Test debut in the series finale at The Oval, starting July 31.

Pant’s bravery on one leg earned him plaudits, but the scans revealed a fracture on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot — an injury that will sideline him for at least six weeks. With Ishan Kishan also unavailable due to an ankle injury and KS Bharat no longer in the Test reckoning, the selectors are set to turn to Jagadeesan, who has quietly built a strong case with the bat and gloves.

Jagadeesan, who has travelled to Chennai from Coimbatore to complete his UK visa formalities, is expected to join the squad in the coming days. An official announcement is likely soon.

The 28-year-old has been a consistent force in India’s domestic scene. In 52 first-class matches, he has scored 3,373 runs at an average of 47.50, including 10 centuries and 14 fifties. His recent Ranji Trophy season was particularly impressive: 674 runs in eight matches at an average of 56.16, featuring two hundreds and five half-centuries.

Pant’s injury came in the 68th over of India’s innings on Day 1, when a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes ricocheted into his right foot. The swelling was immediate and alarming — resembling a table tennis ball — and there was visible bleeding. He retired hurt on 37 and had to be stretchered off the field.

Defying medical advice, the southpaw returned on Day 2 wearing a protective moon boot, and stunned the crowd with a 54-run innings laced with flair and grit. Former India pacer Ishant Sharma hailed the effort as a lesson in resilience: “If someone doesn’t give up in life, they can always make a comeback.”

Pant’s knock also equalled Virender Sehwag’s record of 90 sixes in Tests — the most by an Indian — and saw him overtake Rohit Sharma as India’s highest run-scorer in the World Test Championship cycle, with 2,731 runs in 38 matches.

With Pant ruled out, Dhruv Jurel has taken the gloves again at The Oval. Jagadeesan, if included in the XI, would offer India a technically sound option with the bat and steady hands behind the stumps — and a chance to finally translate domestic consistency into international impact.

At Old Trafford, England are well placed at 225 for two, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root steady at the crease. The pitch noticeably flattened under bright sunshine on Day 2 in Manchester, and if similar conditions persist, it could be India’s turn to toil in the field.