India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said on Thursday that there was no fresh update on Rishabh Pant’s condition after the wicketkeeper-batter sustained a finger injury during Day 1 of the third Test against England at Lord’s.
Pant, India’s vice-captain in the series, suffered a blow to the tip of his left index finger while attempting to collect a wayward delivery down the leg side from Jasprit Bumrah in the 34th over. The ball hit Pant on the dive, leaving him in visible discomfort. The physio attended to him immediately on the field, and although Pant tried to continue, he walked off just two overs later.
"Update: #TeamIndia vice-captain Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger. He is receiving treatment at the moment and is under the supervision of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is currently keeping wickets in Rishabh’s absence," BCCI issued an update on Pant’s injury.
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Uncertainty Over Rishabh Pant’s Return for IND vs ENG 3rd Test
Speaking after stumps, Reddy told reporters that even he was unaware of the extent of the injury and expected clarity only by the next morning. When asked about Rishabh Pant’s condition, he said:
"To be honest, I just came out of the field and I do not know anything about it, but since I did not hear anything from anyone, we will get to know tomorrow morning before we go back."
This suggests that the team management is waiting on a medical assessment before deciding on Pant’s availability for Day 2. His absence could affect India significantly, mainly because of his batting. The southpaw is in tremendous form. He scored twin centuries in Headingley and then smashed a quick-fire fifty at Edgbaston in the second Test. The management will hope the injury is not serious and that Pant can return soon.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has been subbed in to replace Pant in the wicket-keeper’s role. He kept the wickets for the rest of the day and also took an outstanding catch off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling to dismiss Ollie Pope.
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Is Dhruv Jurel Eligible to Bat in Place of Rishabh Pant at Lord's?
While Jurel can keep wickets in Pant’s absence for the rest of the Test, he won’t be allowed to bat. According to the MCC’s law 24.1.2,
"A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires."
Substitutes are only allowed to bat or bowl in case of a concussion. Since Pant’s injury is not classified as one, India will have to continue with only 10 batting options if he does not return to the field.
