Narayan Jagadeesan is set to join Team India in England before the fifth Test, scheduled to start on July 31. Jagadeesan, who is yet to play for India A, will replace Rishabh Pant. The India vice-captain is down with an ankle injury and is set to stay out of action for six weeks. Dhruv Jurel is set to feature in the fifth Test while Jagadeesan will be his backup. The wicketkeeper batsman was leaving for practice when he got the call about his maiden Test call-up.

Speaking to Sportstar, Jagadeesan revealed that he was "surprised" with the call. "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," he said.

Jagadeesan namedropped Robin Uthappa and hinted that he was sort of a mentor for him. They were teammates at MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Jagadeesan was part of CSK from 2018 to 2022 while Uthappa had a two-year stint with them (2021 and 2022).

"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," he added.

Jagadeesan has a solid average of 47.50 in 52 first-class matches. He has scored 3373 runs in 79 innings. While the 29-year-old is unlikely to get a debut cap in England, his maiden call-up confirms that he is in the scheme of things going ahead. The fifth Test will be played at Kennington Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.