Ishan Kishan forced to reject Ajit Agarkar's offer to replace injured Rishabh Pant: 'Selectors reached out but...'

By Admin

25 Jul, 2025

A Double Blow for Team India as Injury Woes Deepen Before Final Test

India’s already daunting injury list in the ongoing Test series against England saw another critical development after star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a toe fracture during Day 1 of the fourth Test in Manchester. While Pant stunned many with his brave decision to bat on Day 2, his injury ruled him out of performing wicketkeeping duties, leaving India in desperate need of a backup.

With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, all eyes turned to Ishan Kishan as a possible replacement. The Jharkhand-born keeper, who boasts both international and county experience, was seen as a suitable candidate to step in for Pant in the final Test at The Oval. However, any hopes of his inclusion were quickly dashed.

Ishan Kishan Not Fit to Travel

According to reports, Kishan, too, is nursing an injury an ankle issue that renders him unavailable for the crucial clash. A source familiar with the matter revealed, “Ishan Kishan won't be available to travel to England. He is not fully fit as he sustained an ankle injury. The selectors reached out to him but it has been conveyed to them that Ishan can't make it.”

This revelation has further tightened the screws on India's team management, who now have only one fully fit specialist wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Jurel, who had stepped in for Pant in the third Test, will retain the gloves for the remainder of the series.

Pant’s Courageous Stand Amid Pain

Pant's injury occurred in dramatic fashion while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, a miscalculation led to a severe blow on his toe. The impact was immediate and brutal, causing visible swelling and bleeding, and forcing him to retire hurt on 37. Later, it was confirmed that Pant had fractured his toe.

Despite his condition, Pant walked out to bat again on Day 2, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. However, his limited mobility and compromised fitness meant that the team would be without their most explosive batter and their first-choice wicketkeeper for the final game.

Back-Up Dilemma: Rahul an Option, But at What Cost?

While KL Rahul is part of the squad and has wicketkeeping experience, the management is reportedly reluctant to burden him with the gloves. Rahul has been in sublime form with the bat, having crossed the 400-run mark in the series. Shifting his role at this stage could risk disrupting his batting rhythm.

Ishan Kishan’s name resurfaced for this very reason. With recent match time in county cricket and exposure with India A, he was seen as the ideal stopgap. Unfortunately, his ankle injury now leaves India with very limited options.

A Team in Crisis Mode

India’s injury concerns go beyond Pant and Kishan. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out with a knee injury, while pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are sidelined due to groin and finger injuries respectively. Pant had already suffered a finger injury in the third Test at Lord’s, which impacted his keeping duties there as well.

With Pant’s dynamic presence missing and Kishan unable to step in, the Indian side is left scrambling to plug gaps in both the batting and wicketkeeping departments. The absence of these key players, combined with the mounting injury list, leaves India in a precarious position heading into the final match.

Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Resilience

The fifth Test at The Oval now looms as a true test not just of skill, but of depth and resilience. While Dhruv Jurel takes over the gloves, much will depend on the remaining squad stepping up in the absence of stalwarts like Pant. The decision of Ishan Kishan to turn down the offer, though involuntary, has further complicated India’s plans, emphasizing just how critical fitness and bench strength are in a grueling Test series.

The team management will hope for a turnaround against the odds, even as fans pray for a swift recovery for Pant and Kishan two vital cogs in India’s future plans.