Narayan Jagadeesan: Rising Star Earns India Test Call-Up in 2025

 Why This is Trending

Narayan Jagadeesan, a 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu, has captured global attention after being named Rishabh Pant’s replacement for the fifth Test against England in July 2025. His maiden Test call-up follows a stellar 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season and a record-breaking 277-run List A innings in 2022. Viral X posts, including one from @CNNnews18 on July 28, 2025, and Jagadeesan’s candid ESPNcricinfo interview about his unexpected selection, have fueled the buzz. Fans and analysts are debating whether this domestic cricket star can shine on the international stage, making “Narayan Jagadeesan” a top Google search.

Summary: Narayan Jagadeesan’s Test call-up as Pant’s replacement sparks excitement over his domestic heroics.

Narayan Jagadeesan: Rising Star Earns India Test Call-Up in 2025
Image Source: x. Narayan Jagadeesan.

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Recent Developments

On July 27, 2025, the BCCI announced Narayan Jagadeesan as the replacement for Rishabh Pant, who was ruled out of the fifth India vs. England Test due to a fractured toe sustained during the fourth Test in Manchester. Jagadeesan, who received his visa on July 27, 2025, joined the Indian squad at The Oval, marking his first-ever Test call-up. The news, reported by News24 on July 28, 2025, sent shockwaves through the cricket world, as Jagadeesan has no prior international experience.

His selection followed an impressive 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign, where he scored 674 runs in eight matches at an average of 56.16, including two centuries and five half-centuries. A July 26, 2025, ESPNcricinfo interview revealed his mindset: “It’s out of the blue for a lot of people, but I’ve been part of the targeted players’ list at the NCA for over two years.” Jagadeesan’s 321-run knock against Chandigarh in 2024, one of the highest individual scores for Tamil Nadu in first-class cricket, further cemented his case.

However, Sportskeeda on July 24, 2025, questioned the decision, citing Jagadeesan’s lack of experience in English conditions and suggesting KS Bharat as a safer choice due to his prior Test exposure. Despite the debate, Jagadeesan’s 133 catches and 14 stumpings in 52 first-class matches highlight his reliability behind the stumps, making him a bold pick for a potential series decider.


Background & Biography

Born on December 24, 1995, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Narayan Jagadeesan—affectionately called Jaggi by friends—grew up in a cricketing family. His father, Narayan S. Jagadeesan, a former Tamil Nadu cricketer, nurtured his early passion for the sport. Jagadeesan’s journey began with a first-class debut for Tamil Nadu against Madhya Pradesh in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, where he scored an unbeaten 123 and earned the Player of the Match award. His List A and T20 debuts followed in 2017, showcasing his versatility.

Jagadeesan’s defining moment came on November 21, 2022, when he smashed 277 off 141 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, breaking the record for the highest individual score in men’s List A cricket. He also became the first batter to score centuries in five consecutive List A innings, surpassing legends like Kumar Sangakkara. This feat, reported by ESPNcricinfo, put him on the global map.

In the IPL, Jagadeesan debuted for Chennai Super Kings in 2020 but struggled for opportunities, playing only seven matches. In 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for ₹90 lakh, where he scored 162 runs across 13 matches, with a highest of 39 not out. Despite limited IPL success, his domestic dominance—including 364 runs in the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—has kept him in selectors’ sights.


Social Media Reaction

The X platform erupted with reactions to Jagadeesan’s call-up. A July 28, 2025, post by @CNNnews18 announced: “Narayan Jagadeesan is a wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu, who on Sunday was announced as Rishabh Pant’s replacement for the fifth Test against England.” The post garnered thousands of likes, reflecting excitement. Another user, @AviatorG74482, congratulated Jagadeesan on his “debut match,” though he has yet to play.

Skepticism also surfaced. A July 24, 2025, post by @Ashwinkiing questioned Jagadeesan’s readiness, citing his lack of international experience. In response, @AskPerplexity highlighted his List A record of 277 and first-class average of 47.50, defending his selection. Fans on Reddit praised his Ranji Trophy form, with one user noting, “Jaggi’s been a beast for Tamil Nadu. If he gets a chance, he could surprise everyone.” The polarized reactions underscore the high stakes of his potential debut.


Public Sentiment

Public sentiment is a blend of optimism and caution. Fans on X and Reddit celebrate Jagadeesan as a domestic cricket hero, with one user writing, “From breaking List A records to a Test call-up, Jaggi’s story is inspiring.” His Coimbatore roots and cricketing family resonate with fans, who see him as a relatable underdog. However, doubts linger about his readiness for English conditions, notorious for challenging Asian batters and keepers. Sportskeeda’s July 24, 2025, article echoed this, noting that even MS Dhoni struggled in England early on.

Jagadeesan’s NCA training and inclusion on the BCCI’s targeted players’ list have reassured some fans, who view his selection as a reward for years of consistency. “He’s earned this through sheer runs and grit,” one X user posted. Yet, comparisons to KS Bharat, who has Test experience, fuel debate over whether India made the right call for a high-stakes match. The emotional narrative of Jagadeesan’s rise from Tamil Nadu to the Test squad keeps fans engaged, rooting for a potential breakout moment.


What Experts Are Saying

Cricket analysts have mixed views on Jagadeesan’s selection. ESPNcricinfo’s Siddharth Monga praised his first-class record of 3373 runs at 47.50, calling him “a safe bet for red-ball cricket” but cautioned about the leap to Test cricket. “English conditions are brutal for debutants. His glovework will be tested,” Monga noted.

Harsha Bhogle, on his YouTube channel, lauded Jagadeesan’s List A heroics and Ranji Trophy form, saying, “He’s not just a batter; his keeping is tidy, which India needs with Pant out.” However, Sportskeeda’s July 24, 2025, analysis argued that KS Bharat’s experience in the 2023 WTC final made him a better fit, citing Jagadeesan’s lack of exposure outside India. Former Tamil Nadu coach WV Raman defended Jagadeesan, telling Hindustan Times, “His 321 against Chandigarh shows he can handle pressure. He’s ready for the big stage.”

The debate centers on whether Jagadeesan’s domestic dominance can translate to Test cricket, especially in a series decider. His NCA preparation and BCCI backing suggest confidence, but experts agree his performance at The Oval will define his future.


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FAQs About Narayan Jagadeesan

1. Who is Narayan Jagadeesan?
Narayan Jagadeesan is a 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, known for his List A record of 277 and first-class average of 47.50. He plays for Tamil Nadu and Kolkata Knight Riders.

2. Why was Narayan Jagadeesan selected for the India Test team?
He was named Rishabh Pant’s replacement for the fifth India vs. England Test in July 2025 after Pant’s toe fracture. His Ranji Trophy form (674 runs in 2024-25) justified the call-up.

3. What is Narayan Jagadeesan’s biggest achievement?
In November 2022, he scored 277 off 141 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, setting the record for the highest individual List A score. He also hit five consecutive centuries.

4. Has Narayan Jagadeesan played for India before?
No, the 2025 England Test is his maiden Test call-up. He has no prior international experience in any format.

5. What is Narayan Jagadeesan’s IPL record?
He has played 13 IPL matches for Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 162 runs at an average of 18.00, with a highest score of 39 not out.

6. Why is there debate over Jagadeesan’s Test selection?
Critics, including Sportskeeda, argue his lack of international experience and exposure to English conditions makes him a risky pick compared to KS Bharat. Supporters cite his domestic form.

7. What did Narayan Jagadeesan say about his Test call-up?
In a July 26, 2025, ESPNcricinfo interview, he said, “I’ve been part of the targeted players’ list at the NCA for over two years,” indicating his preparation.

8. How has Narayan Jagadeesan performed in domestic cricket?
He has scored 3373 runs in 52 first-class matches (average 47.50) and was Tamil Nadu’s leading run-scorer in the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 364 runs.


Closing: What’s Next for Narayan Jagadeesan?

Narayan Jagadeesan’s Test call-up has thrust him into the spotlight, blending excitement with scrutiny over his readiness. As he prepares for a potential debut at The Oval, fans are eager to see if this domestic star can replicate his List A and Ranji Trophy heroics. Will he silence doubters or face challenges in English conditions? Follow X for real-time updates and watch ESPNcricinfo for match analysis as Jagadeesan’s journey unfolds. 



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