Out Since 2023, India Star May Return As Rishabh Pant's Replacement

Ishan Kishan, currently playing county cricket in England, could be recalled to Team India for the fifth Test in Pant’s absence.

With Pant sidelined, Dhruv Jurel is set to don the gloves for Team India in the ongoing IND vs ENG 4th Test in Manchester.

Source : PTI

Team India faced a huge blow when Rishabh Pant sustained an injury on the opening day of the fourth Test against England.

While batting, Pant was struck on the leg by a delivery from Chris Woakes. The injury appeared serious, and he was immediately taken to the hospital for scans.

As per reports, Pant is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. There are minimal chances of him returning to bat in the current Test match.

Meanwhile, it is being speculated that Ishan Kishan, currently playing county cricket in England, could be recalled to Team India for the fifth Test in Pant’s absence. Ishan has been out of the Indian team setup for nearly two years.

Dhruv Jurel likely to take over wicketkeeping duties in Manchester

With Pant sidelined due to the injury, young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel is set to don the gloves for Team India in the ongoing IND vs ENG 4th Test in Manchester.

Jurel is highly likely to replace Pant in the playing XI for the fifth and final Test at The Oval. In this scenario, Ishan Kishan could be roped in as the backup wicketkeeper.

According to a reports, BCCI’s selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar is keen on bringing Ishan Kishan back into the national side in place of the injured Rishabh Pant.

Ishan Kishan out of Team India since 2023

Ishan Kishan last played a T20 international for India against Australia in November 2023 and featured in a couple of Test matches against West Indies earlier that year.

Since then, he has remained out of the national setup. He was even dropped from the BCCI central contracts list due to prioritizing the IPL over domestic commitments.

Notably, Ishan is among the few Indian batters to have scored a double century in ODIs. Known for his aggressive strokeplay, he is often nicknamed ‘Pocket Dynamite’ and seen as a reflection of MS Dhoni’s fearless approach.