Why Ishan Kishan Turned Down BCCI’s Offer to Replace Rishabh Pant in England

Why Ishan Kishan Turned Down BCCI’s Offer to Replace Rishabh Pant in England

An unexpected injury forced Ishan Kishan to reject BCCI’s call to replace Rishabh Pant for the final Test in England. Here’s what really happened.

When Rishabh Pant was officially ruled out of the remainder of the England Test series, the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee was quick to seek a replacement. Their first choice? Ishan Kishan — a promising wicketkeeper-batter who recently impressed in the County Championship.

However, BCCI officials were met with a surprising response — a firm “no” from Ishan Kishan himself.

🚑 Why Did Ishan Decline the Offer?

  • Injury Trouble:
    Ishan is reportedly recovering from an ankle injury sustained in an unusual accident — he fell off a scooty. The injury required stitches on his left ankle, making it impossible for him to travel or play.
  • Unfit to Fly:
    Even though he was keen to play, the injury made it medically unviable for Ishan to board a long-haul flight to England for the final Test.

🏏 Ishan Kishan’s Recent Form

Before the injury:

  • Kishan was playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.
  • He scored 87 and 77 in his recent matches — showing strong form with the bat.

His performances had kept him in the spotlight and made him a top contender for international recall.

🔁 Who Will Replace Rishabh Pant Now?

With Kishan ruled out:

  • The selectors are now turning to N Jagadeesan, the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman.
  • Jagadeesan is “almost certain” to join the squad for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

🧾 Jagadeesan’s Stats at a Glance

  • First-Class Matches: 52
  • Runs Scored: 3373
  • Catches: 133
  • Stumpings: 14

Jagadeesan has consistently performed in domestic cricket and is likely to get his big break in the Indian Test side.

🔍 In Summary

  • Ishan Kishan was BCCI’s first choice to replace Rishabh Pant.
  • An unfortunate ankle injury due to a scooty mishap made him unavailable.
  • N Jagadeesan is now being considered for the role in the final Test of the series.