In a dramatic turn during Third test on the Lord‘S, India Vice-contain Rishabh Pant A painful finger injury was faced during the wicketkeeping, sending shockwaves through Indian camps and fans worldwide. The incident occurred in the second session when pants were killed on his left index finger while trying a diving collection under the leg side. The severity of the blow was clear because the game was stopped for several minutes, and after receiving pants, medical attention, was replaced behind the stump Dhruv Jurall For the remaining of the day. The uncertainty around the fitness of the pants has caused an important question: will he be able to bat, and if not, can Jurall take his place in the batting order?
Why can Dhruv Jurael keep it but cannot bat for Rishabh Pant with God?
While cricket laws allow for a substantial fielder or wicketkeeper in the event of an on-field injury, the rules of batting replacement in Test cricket are far more restrictive. Exactly International Cricket Council (ICC) Regulations, one option can only keep the field or wicket; They are not allowed to bat, bowl or captain. This means that if the pants are considered unworthy to bat, India will be forced to play with a batsman, a significant disadvantage given the stellar look of the pants in the series.
Confusion among fans was carried forward by the ICC’s recent ICC’s recent “-like” injury replacement in domestic first-class cricket, where a fully-run option could replace an injured player for the remaining of the match. However, this rule has not yet been extended to international test matches. In trials, the only exception allowing a complete sports replacement is in terms of a constion, according to the Constion Option Rules introduced in 2019. For other injuries, such as a finger injury, substitute -one, jural -can keep wickets and fields, but cannot bat in place of pants.
Dhruv Jurael takes the gloves as Rishabh Pant leaves for treatment on his hand. pic.twitter.com/lgdgi34in77
– Sky Sports Cricket (@Skycricket) 10 July, 2025
Also read: ENG vs Ind: It is reported here that Jofra Archer has performed at the prestigious Lord’s Ground
The absence of pants develops a strategic blow for India
Should the pants be unable to take the field as a batsman, the balance and strategy of the Indian team will take an important hit. Pant has been one of the standout artists for India in this series, and losing his batting skills can prove frightening, especially in a close match in Lord’s. Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) Confirmed that Pant is subject to medical supervision, but has not provided clarity on its availability to bat, leaving the team and fans in suspense.
This landscape highlights the unique challenges generated by the current ICC rules. While the construction provides some protection against head injuries to the substitute rule teams, other forms of injury still highlight teams. The ongoing tests in domestic cricket may eventually pave the way for the widespread implementation of replacement in tests, but for now, India should expect a faster recovery for its star wicketkeeper-better.
See also: Ravindra Jadeja challenged Joe Root on 99, daring to take him run
