Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant remained off the field on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test, with the BCCI confirming that the 27-year-old is still recovering from a blow to his left index finger.
The incident occurred during the 34th over of England’s innings on Day 1, when Pant attempted a diving take off Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery but failed to gather the ball cleanly. The misfield resulted in two byes, and Pant was seen in visible discomfort immediately after. Medical attention was sought, and he did not return to the field for the remainder of the day.
The BCCI issued an update on Friday morning via social media platform X, stating, “Rishabh Pant is still recovering from the hit on his left index finger. The BCCI medical team continues to monitor his progress. Dhruv Jurel will continue to keep wickets on Day 2.”
UPDATE:
Rishabh Pant is still recovering from the hit on his left index finger. The BCCI medical team continues to monitor his progress. Dhruv Jurel will continue to keep wickets on Day 2.#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/nwjsn58Jt0
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 11, 2025
Pant’s absence is a cause for concern for the Indian team management. Not only is he a dynamic presence behind the stumps, but he has also been in outstanding form with the bat in this series. So far, he has amassed 342 runs in just four innings at an impressive average of 85.50, including two centuries and a half-century. His best effort came at Leeds, where he notched up a brilliant 134 in challenging conditions. If the injury turns out to be more serious, it could prove to be a significant setback for India.
Pant has already carved a niche for himself among India’s greats, surpassing MS Dhoni’s record for most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. He also holds the distinction of being the highest run-scorer among Asian wicketkeeper-batters in overseas SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions—an impressive feat that underscores his stature as a modern-day match-winner.
In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel has taken over wicketkeeping duties. The 23-year-old came onto the field in the second session of Day 1, replacing Bumrah as a substitute. Jurel, though still early in his international career, has shown promise. He has played four Tests so far, accumulating 202 runs in six innings at an average of 40.40, with a highest score of 90, his only fifty so far, which came against England in his debut series last year.
Though he is yet to feature in the playing XI on this tour, Jurel has made a strong case for himself with consistent performances for India A at home and overseas, including in Australia and the UK.