Pant, diving low to his left in an attempt to stop the delivery, managed to get a hand to it but couldn't fully control the ball. As England batters Joe Root and Ollie Pope took advantage and ran two runs, Pant was seen wincing in visible discomfort, as he continued to grimace and shake his hand in pain
Rishabh Pant reacts after having hurt his hand while keeping wicket on the opening day (Pic: AFP)
India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field during the second session on the opening day of the third Test against England after suffering a blow to his left handy during England’s first innings, dealing an early setback to the hosts.
The injury took place in the 34th over, when Jasprit Bumrah delivered a wayward ball down the leg side. Pant, diving low to his left in an attempt to stop the delivery, managed to get a hand to it but couldn't fully control the ball. As England batters Joe Root and Ollie Pope took advantage and ran two runs, Pant was seen wincing in visible discomfort, as he continued to grimace and shake his hand in pain.
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Jurel takes the gloves as Pant leaves the field for treatment.#MumbaiIndians #ENGvIND
The match was briefly halted as the Indian team’s medical staff rushed onto the field to assess the damage. Pant received treatment on the ground, but even after play resumed, the vice-captain seemed far from comfortable. He was repeatedly seen flexing and shaking his left hand, indicating that the issue hadn’t subsided.
After the conclusion of Bumrah’s over, Pant made his way off the field, unable to continue behind the stumps. In a rather unusual turn, Dhruv Jurel, who is not part of the playing XI for this Test, was called in to take over the wicketkeeping duties. Jurel, part of the squad as a backup keeper, stepped in under substitute player provisions and donned the gloves for the remainder of the session.
Pant’s departure sparked concern in the Indian camp, especially considering his recent return to international cricket after a lengthy layoff due to a car accident in late 2022. Having just regained full match fitness and rhythm, another injury, particularly to his hands, would be a major blow to both the player and the team, with crucial matches still to come in the series.
The extent of the injury was not immediately confirmed, but further medical assessment is expected to determine Pant’s availability for the remainder of the Test. For India, Pant’s presence behind the stumps and his explosive batting in the middle order are vital assets. His absence, if prolonged, could force the team management into making some difficult decisions regarding their combination for the remaining days of the match.
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