IND vs ENG: Narayan Jagadeesan omits MS Dhoni, names ex-CSK player as mentor after India selection

Narayan Jagadeesan has completely omitted MS Dhoni's name and credited a former Chennai Super Kings player in his development after India selection.

The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter received an unexpected but well-deserved maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad for the fifth Test against England at The Oval.

This opportunity arose as a result of vice-captain Rishabh Pant's foot injury, ruling him out for six weeks. Jagadeesan, uncapped even at the India A level, joins the team as a backup wicketkeeper to Dhruv Jurel, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing journey.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Jagadeesan expressed his excitement and disbelief, saying, "I was surprised when I got the call. It is the most significant step of my career and a dream come true. I have grown up thinking about this very moment. It is a great feeling not just for me but my parents and coach as well."

A vital influence behind Jagadeesan's growth has been former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Robin Uthappa. The duo, teammates at CSK during 2021-2022, forged a mentorship that helped Jagadeesan recover from setbacks, particularly after missing out on IPL selection a few years ago. Although Jagadeesan also played along with MS Dhoni at CSK, he omitted the former India captain's name.

"We have known each other since our CSK days. A couple of years ago, after not being picked in the IPL, I felt I needed a mentor, and we got in touch. He has helped me a lot. He has given me a sense of security about how I feel as a cricketer. I have worked with him to improve my mindset in terms of goal-setting, manifesting and also technical aspects of the game, especially in T20 cricket. He has a lot of experience and has gone through ups and downs and knows how it works in international cricket."

Jagadeesan's cricketing career has been marked by steady progression through the domestic ranks for Tamil Nadu, where he has showcased consistent batting performances, particularly in the shorter formats. Known for his elegant strokeplay and reliable wicketkeeping skills, he has been a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu's limited-overs sides and IPL outings with various franchises. His journey from state-level cricket to the cusp of international Test cricket illustrates his resilience and continuous improvement.