India vice-captain Rishabh Pant sustained a painful blow to his left index finger during Day 1 of the third Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy Test at Lord’s, prompting a temporary change in India’s on-field leadership and wicketkeeping responsibilities.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant is under medical supervision, while Dhruv Jurel has taken over the gloves.
The incident occurred in the 34th over of England’s innings during the second session, when Pant dived to his left in an attempt to stop a Jasprit Bumrah delivery that veered down the leg side.
Though he managed to get a hand on the ball and prevent a boundary, the impact left him visibly grimacing in pain. Pant continued briefly with his fingers heavily strapped but walked off for further treatment at the end of the over.
In an official update on its ‘X’ handle, the BCCI stated: “India vice-captain Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger. He is receiving treatment at the moment and under the supervision of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is currently keeping wickets in Rishabh's absence.”
Pant’s absence from the field also meant KL Rahul stepped in to lead the side in a critical phase of the match, with Joe Root and Ben Stokes building a solid partnership for England.
Jurel, who had kept wickets in three Tests against England earlier this year and featured in India A’s matches against the England Lions, was quick to respond. The young keeper had also deputised in similar fashion when Pant injured his knee during a Test match against New Zealand in October 2024.
Later in the session, television visuals showed head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak watching closely from the dressing room balcony as Pant returned to the Indian dugout alongside physio Kamlesh Jain.
Pant’s contribution with the bat has been monumental in this series—he has scored 342 runs in just two matches at an average of 85.50, including two centuries at Headingley. His fitness remains crucial for India as the match—and the series—progresses.
