N Jagadeesan Reacts After Replacing Injured Rishabh Pant For Fifth Test At The Oval
"Most Special Moment" - Jagadeesan on His Selection
Reacting to the news, Jagadeesan said the selection did not come as a complete surprise given his recent form:
"It wasn't out of the blue for me. I have been working hard for this opportunity and was mentally prepared for the call," the 29-year-old said while speaking to the media. "To represent India in Test cricket is the most special moment of my career so far. I just want to contribute whenever the opportunity arises."
Jagadeesan was reportedly at a training session in Coimbatore when he received the call from the selectors. He continued with his practice drills, showing composure even after hearing the life-changing news.
Jagadeesan Credits Robin Uthappa
A couple of years earlier, when Jagadeesan wasn't picked in the IPL auction, the cricketer spoke to Robin Uthappa, 'We have known each other since our CSK days. A couple of years ago, after not being picked in the IPL, I felt I needed a mentor, and we got in touch. He has helped me a lot. He has given me a sense of security about how I feel as a cricketer. I have worked with him to improve my mindset in terms of goal-setting, manifesting, and also technical aspects of the game, especially in T20 cricket,' explained Jagadeesan.
Jagadeesan's call-up is built on a formidable domestic career:
He has scored 3,373 runs in 52 First-Class matches at an average of 47.5, including 10 centuries and 14 half-centuries.
He also has 133 catches and 14 stumpings to his name, showcasing his dual skills as a wicketkeeper-batter.
In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he was among the top scorers with 674 runs in eight matches, averaging 56, including two centuries and five fifties.
His highlight knock was a career-best 321 in the previous domestic season, underlining his temperament for the longer format.
Why Jagadeesan Over Other Options?
A combination of form, availability, and readiness influenced the selectors' decision. While Kishan's injury ruled him out and KS Bharat did not make the cut, Jagadeesan's consistency and red-ball focus made him the natural choice. He joins the squad as backup to Dhruv Jurel, who has been handling wicketkeeping duties in Pant's absence.
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