Ishan Kishan to Replace Rishabh Pant in 5th Test | India vs England 2025 Update.When a player like Rishabh Pant goes down, the entire mood of Team India shifts. Pant has been one of the cornerstones of India’s Test side in recent years — fiery, fearless, and fantastic with the gloves and the bat. But fate, once again, has played its part. A toe fracture during the 4th Test at Old Trafford has ruled him out of the final showdown at The Oval, leaving fans disappointed and the team needing a replacement.
Now, all eyes are on Ishan Kishan — the Jharkhand dynamo who is reportedly set to be added to India’s squad as backup wicketkeeper for the crucial fifth Test.
🏥 Pant’s Injury – A Big Setback for India
Rishabh Pant sustained a fracture on his toe while batting against England in the 4th Test. It was a delivery from Chris Woakes that caused the damage — a painful yorker that left Pant hobbling. Despite continuing his innings briefly, he was visibly in discomfort. Scans later confirmed the worst: a fracture that needs recovery time of about six weeks. That rules him out not just from the remainder of the 4th Test but also from the final Test of this thrilling series.
This is a big blow. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was blunt in his analysis: “Pant’s absence is a 25% swing in England’s favour.” And he’s not wrong. Pant brings that X-factor — a player who can turn a match on its head with counterattacking brilliance, while also being solid behind the stumps.
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🔁 Ishan Kishan’s Name Emerges Ishan Kishan to Replace Rishabh Pant in 5th Test | India vs England 2025 Update — Why He’s the Right Pick
With Pant ruled out, Team India’s selectors acted quickly. According to multiple reports, including from the Hindustan Times and Cricket Addictor, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, reached out to Ishan Kishan. The idea: get him ready as a backup keeper for the final Test.
This might come as a surprise to some, considering Dhruv Jurel has already impressed with the gloves and bat. But the logic is clear — having Kishan in the squad adds depth and experience, should India need to make a quick switch or if Jurel suffers an injury.
Kishan’s Journey – From Criticism to Comeback
Let’s rewind a bit. Just months ago, Ishan Kishan was dropped from the BCCI’s central contracts list. Why? Because he opted out of domestic cricket and was seen as uncommitted. But in true Kishan style, he let his bat do the talking.
He returned to the domestic circuit, played for Jharkhand, and impressed. Later, his stint with Northamptonshire in England’s county circuit added more weight to his comeback story. He even cracked scores of 87 and 77 in English conditions — a strong sign of adaptability. Not to forget his record-breaking double century in ODIs and his explosive IPL form for SRH this season.
Kishan isn’t just talented — he’s resilient.
🧢 What Kishan Brings to the Table
Whether or not he makes it to the playing XI, Kishan’s presence itself is valuable:
- Experience in Pressure Games: He has already represented India in limited-overs formats and has faced tough opposition.
- Aggressive Batting: Kishan is a left-hander who can counter England’s off-spinners and take on pacers when needed.
- Wicketkeeping Versatility: He’s quick behind the stumps and has trained under MS Dhoni’s guidance in the past.
He may not have played many Tests, but his skill set is tailor-made for modern red-ball cricket. And if given a chance at The Oval, Kishan might just turn the tide like Pant has done in the past.
🏏 Dhruv Jurel Likely to Start — But Kishan Waits in the Wings
Make no mistake — Dhruv Jurel is still the frontrunner to keep wickets in the 5th Test. He’s been consistent, composed, and clutch. However, in a long, tiring series, anything can happen. India needs strong bench strength, and Kishan offers that insurance.
And who knows? If opportunity knocks, Kishan may not just be a backup — he might become the breakout star of this series.
🇮🇳 The Bigger Picture Ishan Kishan to Replace Rishabh Pant in 5th Test
This isn’t just about one Test or one replacement. It’s a testament to India’s bench strength and the willingness of players to fight their way back into the squad. From being dropped to now on the brink of a Test return, Kishan’s story is pure motivation for every cricketer who’s faced rejection.
Pant’s injury hurts. But cricket, like life, moves on — and it opens the door for new heroes to emerge.
📝 Final Thoughts
Ishan Kishan’s likely inclusion in Team India’s squad for the 5th Test at The Oval is more than just a selection update. It’s a story of resilience, redemption, and readiness. While Pant rests and heals, Kishan gears up for a possible Test opportunity — and fans across the country will be hoping he seizes it.
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