Ishan Kishan is poised to make a return to India’s Test squad for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, following the unavailability of Rishabh Pant due to a fractured toe sustained during the ongoing series. While Kishan will serve as the backup wicketkeeper, Dhruv Jurel is expected to don the gloves during the match.
Kishan, who made his Test debut during the 2023 series against the West Indies, has played two Tests to date. His recall comes after a period of ups and downs in his career. In 2024, he lost his BCCI central contract for failing to participate in domestic cricket, as mandated by the board. However, he earned his place back in early 2025, thanks to a strong domestic season with standout performances in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, and his leadership as captain of the Jharkhand team.
Currently playing for Northamptonshire in the County Championship, Kishan has impressed with solid performances, including innings of 87 and 77. His aggressive yet composed approach has caught the attention of selectors looking for depth in the Test squad.
In the IPL 2025 season, Kishan emerged as a vital player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who secured him for INR 11.25 crore at the mega auction. He amassed 354 runs in 14 matches and made headlines with a blistering century on debut for SRH, scoring 100 off just 45 balls against the Rajasthan Royals.
Despite limited exposure in the longer format, Kishan has already made his mark in white-ball cricket. He holds the record for the fastest-ever ODI double century—210 off 126 balls—against Bangladesh in December 2022, becoming the youngest player to achieve the milestone and surpassing Chris Gayle’s previous record.
With Rishabh Pant advised a six-week recovery period, Kishan’s selection offers him a crucial opportunity to stake his claim in the Test arena. His recent form across formats has bolstered confidence among selectors, who view him as a dynamic asset in Pant’s absence.