ENG vs IND 2025: N Jagadeesan credits Robin Uthappa for Test call-up

Tamil Nadu’s wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan has received a maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad for the fifth and final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at The Oval. The call-up took place after Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate injury during the fourth Test. Meanwhile, Jagadeesan has credited former India batter Robin Uthappa for mentoring him and shaping his mental and technical approach to the game.

India’s vice-captain, Pant, suffered a toe fracture on Day 1 of the Manchester Test. Although he heroically batted through pain to score a half-century, the injury has ruled him out for six weeks, forcing the selectors to call a replacement ahead of the final Test in London. While Ishan Kishan was initially being considered for the spot, a niggle has kept the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter out of contention, making the way for Jagadeesan. 

“I got a call from the selector, and he said: ‘You might get another call in one hour’s time. So just be ready.’ And after that, I just had a lot of jitters waiting for the call. It was a very happy moment. I’m grateful to Robin for his help. Also the fact that TNCA took me to the UK for a 27-day tour, which was a major boost. It was a very good learning experience because that was the first time I went outside Asia. Adapting to weather conditions was a big learning curve,” Jagadeesan told The Times of India.

I knew I just had to put my head down, stay in the present: Jagadeesan 

Uthappa’s role in changing Jagadeesan’s mindset and honing his technique, especially for T20s, has paid off, as the Tamil Nadu batter now finds himself on the brink of a potential Test debut. Jagadeesan’s domestic performance made him a strong case for his inclusion. 

In 52 first-class matches, he has scored 3373 runs at an average of 47.50, including 10 centuries and 14 half-centuries. Despite being uncapped even at the India A level, Jagadeesan has been part of the BCCI’s targeted players list for the past few years, regularly attending camps at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“Maybe it’s out of the blue for a lot of people, but I’ve been part of the targeted players’ list for the past two to three years. I was with all the other targeted players at the NCA for the entire year. I knew I just had to put my head down, stay in the present, and work hard,” he added.

Though Dhruv Jurel is likely to take up wicketkeeping duties in the final Test, Jagadeesan is ready for whatever role comes his way. 

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