India vs England: Ishan Kishan likely to replace the injured Rishabh Pant for the 5th Test
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is reportedly set to make a return to the Indian Test squad, following fresh developments surrounding Rishabh Pant’s injury, which has ruled him out of the remainder of the ongoing Test series in England. According to sources, Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of the All India Men's Senior Selection Committee, is keen to have Kishan join the squad as a backup option behind the stumps. Kishan last played for India in November 2023 during a T20I clash against Australia. His most recent red-ball appearances came earlier that year when he featured in two Test matches, both against the West Indies.
India vs England: Is Ishan Kishan the perfect replacement for the injured Rishabh Pant?
Though still early in his Test career, Ishan Kishan has shown promise with both the bat and gloves, and the selectors see value in his inclusion, especially in overseas conditions where experience and depth can prove crucial. Despite his anticipated return to the squad, Dhruv Jurel is widely expected to take on the primary wicketkeeping duties for the remaining matches, including the all-important fifth Test at The Oval. Jurel has impressed the team management and is seen as a solid replacement for Pant. Kishan, in turn, is likely to serve as a reliable backup, providing depth and flexibility to the squad.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025
Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the…
“The selection committee will add Ishan Kishan to the squad ahead of the fifth Test as Pant won't be part of the final Test match, which will be played from July 31 to August 4 at The Oval,” a source in the report was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Huge setback for Team India. 🏏
— OneTurf News (@oneturf_news) July 24, 2025
🔹 Rishabh Pant out of cricket for atleast 6 weeks.
🔹 Ishan Kishan to join Indian Test squad as a back-up of injured Rishabh Pant
📸: BCCI/X#oneturfnews #engvsind #teamindia #manchestertest #rishabhpant #ishankishan #injuryupdate #cricket pic.twitter.com/A69dJIwWeR
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025
Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test.
He was taken for scans from the stadium.
The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.
Ishan Kishan faced a major setback in 2024 when he was dropped from the BCCI’s Central Contract list after failing to adhere to the board’s directive requiring contracted players to participate in domestic cricket which was a big cricket update. His absence from the domestic circuit drew criticism and ultimately cost him his spot on the list. However, Kishan made a determined effort to return to the fold by turning out for Jharkhand during the 2024–25 domestic season, demonstrating both commitment and form.
His performances not only silenced critics but also signaled his intent to make a strong comeback to national reckoning. Recognizing his efforts and improved discipline, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reinstated Kishan into the Central Contract list in April 2025. The move was seen as a reward for his renewed focus and willingness to follow the board's expectations, putting him back in contention for a regular spot in the national team.
In the IPL 2025 season, Ishan Kishan turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and delivered a solid performance with the bat. He amassed 354 runs in 14 matches, showcasing his aggressive style and consistency at the top of the order. One of the standout moments of his campaign came against the Rajasthan Royals, where he smashed his maiden IPL century, reaching the milestone in just 45 balls—a knock that lit up the tournament. SRH had acquired Kishan for a hefty INR 11.25 crore during the 2024 mega-auction, and his performances justified the investment.
At 27, Kishan has primarily featured in ODIs and T20Is for India, with limited appearances in red-ball cricket, where he has scored 78 runs, including a half-century. Despite limited Test opportunities, he remains a key figure in India’s white-ball setup. A defining moment in his career came in December 2022, when he made global headlines by smashing the fastest-ever double century in ODI history. He brought up the landmark in just 126 balls, breaking Chris Gayle’s previous record by 12 deliveries. Not only was it a display of sheer power-hitting, but it also made Kishan the youngest player ever to score a double ton in ODIs—an extraordinary feat in modern cricket.
