Team India faced a surprising twist as Ishan Kishan declined Ajit Agarkar’s offer to step in for injured Rishabh Pant ahead of the India vs England Test series.

In a crucial phase where Rishabh Pant was ruled out due to a fractured toe, many expected Ishan Kishan—who has prior Test experience and is a proven performer in limited-overs cricket—to be the natural replacement. However, sources from the BCCI camp revealed that Kishan turned down the offer made by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, citing personal reasons.

The decision sparked speculation, especially considering the high stakes of the upcoming Test series against England. While the team management is now looking toward alternatives like KS Bharat or Dhruv Jurel, fans and analysts are left questioning the timing and implications of Kishan’s refusal.

Ajit Agarkar reportedly reached out to Kishan multiple times during selection meetings, hoping to persuade him, but the wicketkeeper-batsman remained firm. Although no official reason has been made public, insiders suggest that Kishan is currently prioritizing mental health and workload balance after a demanding IPL season and lack of consistent playing time.

With Pant's injury already a major blow, Kishan’s absence adds further pressure on the Indian squad. The cricketing community now eagerly watches who will finally fill the critical wicketkeeper-batsman slot in the Test XI.