The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an update on the fitness of Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pant sustained an injury during the third Test match against England at Lord’s and had to leave the field. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel has taken over the wicketkeeping duties. The BCCI confirmed that Pant is currently under the supervision of the medical team.
In an official statement, BCCI said, “Team India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has injured the index finger of his left hand. He is currently being treated and is under the observation of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is keeping wickets in his absence.”
Despite receiving on-field treatment for his injury, Pant did not recover sufficiently and had to walk off the field. Dhruv Jurel, who was not originally part of the playing XI for the third Test, was then sent in to keep wickets. The incident occurred during the 34th over of England’s innings when Jasprit Bumrah bowled a delivery down the leg side. Pant dived to stop the ball and appeared to be in pain afterward. Though he managed to get a hand on the ball, he couldn’t completely stop it.
Following this, the match was paused briefly as the Indian support staff came onto the field to attend to Pant. However, when play resumed, Pant was unable to continue wicketkeeping. After the completion of Bumrah’s over, Pant left the field, and Jurel took over behind the stumps.
It is worth noting that England won the toss in this match and chose to bat first. India made one change to their playing XI, bringing in pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah in place of Prasidh Krishna.