Ishan Kishan: The New Hope for India’s Cricket After Rishabh Pant Injury
NEWS
Ishan Kishan is set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in India’s Test squad during the England tour 2025. Known for his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping, Kishan brings energy and experience from domestic, India A, and county cricket. With Pant sidelined after a fractured toe, Kishan’s comeback is vital for India’s team balance and performance in the upcoming matches.
Ishan Kishan: The New Hope for India’s Cricket After Rishabh Pant Injury
India’s cricket team is facing a big change after star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant got injured in the ongoing Test series against England. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the team management have decided to call back Ishan Kishan to replace Pant for the remaining matches. Let’s learn more about Ishan Kishan, his cricket journey, and why he is the perfect fit as a replacement for Pant.
Who is Ishan Kishan?
Ishan Kishan is an exciting young cricketer from Jharkhand, India. He is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter known for his fearless and aggressive batting style. Ishan has played many formats of cricket — from T20 to Tests — showing his skills with both the bat and gloves. He made his Test debut in 2023 and has played two Test matches so far, scoring 78 runs and even a half-century.
Even though he has not been in India’s national squad for some time, due to some ups and downs in form and fitness, Kishan has remained active in domestic cricket and India A tours. Recently, he impressed everyone by scoring well in county cricket for Nottinghamshire in England, making scores of 87 and 77, and proving he can handle tough conditions.
Why is Ishan Kishan Replacing Rishabh Pant?
Rishabh Pant got injured badly on the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. While attempting a reverse sweep, he fractured his toe and was forced to retire hurt. The injury means Pant will need about six weeks of rest, ruling him out of the rest of the England tour, including the crucial fifth Test at The Oval.
Because of Pant’s injury, the Indian selectors needed a strong and reliable replacement wicketkeeper-batter. Ishan Kishan, with his aggressive batting style and wicketkeeping skills, has been chosen to join the Indian Test squad. Though Dhruv Jurel has been filling in as wicketkeeper during the ongoing Test, he cannot bat because cricket rules do not allow substitutes except in cases of concussion. This makes Kishan’s inclusion important as backup and potential player.
Ishan Kishan’s Cricket Journey
Ishan Kishan’s career has seen many highs and some challenges:
He was last part of India’s squad in November 2023 during a T20 International against Australia.
In early 2024, he faced some trouble with the BCCI as he missed certain domestic matches, which led to him being dropped from the central contract list.
However, he worked hard in domestic cricket, playing for Jharkhand and India A, and earned his way back into contention.
His performances in county cricket in England further boosted his chances, showing he is ready for international challenges.
Kishan made a strong impression during the India A shadow tours in Australia and England prior to this tour.
What Can We Expect from Ishan Kishan?
Ishan is known for his powerful hitting and ability to score quickly. His batting style brings energy to the team and can put pressure on opposing bowlers. Aside from batting, he is also skilled behind the stumps with good reflexes and safe hands.
Though he has played only a few Test matches, his first-class cricket record is impressive: over 3,600 runs in 60 matches with six centuries, an average nearing 39, plus more than 100 dismissals as a wicketkeeper.
This blend of experience and talent makes Kishan a valuable asset for Team India as they look to maintain their fight in the series despite Pant’s absence.
Support from Cricket Experts
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin and other experts have praised Ishan Kishan’s potential as a wicketkeeper-batter. Azharuddin said Kishan’s aggressive nature suits the role perfectly and he could become India’s main wicketkeeper in the future if he keeps performing well.
Azharuddin also noted that while Pant’s injury is unfortunate, India has a talented pool of players like Kishan to step up and fill big shoes.
What Happens Next?
Ishan Kishan is expected to join the Indian squad soon and be part of the team for the final Test match against England at The Oval starting July 31, 2025. Though Dhruv Jurel may keep wickets on the field, Kishan will be the official replacement in the squad, ready to play if selected.
This comeback is important for Kishan as he tries to re-establish himself in the national team. Fans will be watching closely to see how he performs on this big stage, hoping he can rise to the occasion.
Summary
Ishan Kishan is set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in India’s Test squad for the England tour 2025.
Pant suffered a fractured toe and was forced to retire hurt during the fourth Test, ruling him out for six weeks.
Kishan is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter known for his aggressive batting and solid wicketkeeping.
He made his Test debut in 2023 and has experience in domestic, India A, and county cricket.
Kishan’s addition to the squad provides India with a strong replacement option to maintain team balance and competition.
Cricket experts appreciate Kishan’s batting style and see him as a future mainstay in the Indian team.