Tamil Nadu’s consistent performer and wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan has finally seen the door to national selection open wider, after receiving a call from the Indian selectors to potentially join the Test squad in England as cover for the injured Rishabh Pant. Speaking about the moment, Jagadeesan shared the thrill of that life-changing phone call, revealing it all started with a cryptic heads-up from a selector.
“I got a call from the selector and he said: ‘You might get another call in an hour. Just be ready.’ I had jitters the whole time after that,” N Jagadeesan told The Times of India. “It was a very happy moment. A lot of emotions were running through me.”
India are currently struggling in the ongoing Test series in England, with the fifth and final match set to be played at The Oval from July 31 to August 4.
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Rishabh Pant, who suffered a toe fracture during the fourth Test, is doubtful for the series finale—especially if India lose the Manchester Test. Initially, Ishan Kishan was considered as the reserve wicketkeeper, but his own injury ruled him out, paving the way for Jagadeesan’s possible inclusion.
‘I’ve been part of the targeted players list’
N Jagadeesan after India 🇮🇳 call-up
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✍️ @jrnehasurana #NJagadeesan #INDvENG
— TOI Sports (@toisports) July 26, 2025
While the news might have come as a surprise to many fans, Jagadeesan says it didn’t catch him off guard. “For others, it may seem out of the blue. But I’ve been on the radar for a while,” he said. “I’ve been a part of the targeted players’ group at the NCA for nearly three years now, training with other wicketkeepers. I always knew I was close—I just needed to keep working hard and stay focused.”
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The 28-year-old boasts an impressive domestic record, with 3373 runs from 52 first-class matches at an average of 47.5, including 10 centuries. His most recent outing saw him smash a 41-ball 81 in the TNPL semi-final for Chepauk Super Gillies—another reminder of his readiness when opportunity knocks.
