Will Rishabh Pant Play After Injury? India Faces Setback in Lord Test Day 2

India Faces a Nervous Wait as Rishabh Pant’s Finger Injury Casts Doubt Over Lord’s Test

London, July 11 – Team India is on edge as uncertainty looms over the availability of Rishabh Pant, who suffered a finger injury on Day 1 of the third Test against England at Lord’s. The star wicketkeeper-batter was forced to leave the field during the 33rd over after a painful blow to his left index finger while collecting a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah that bounced awkwardly.

With no official update on Day 2 from the BCCI medical team, fans and cricket experts are left speculating whether Pant will return to the field or be ruled out of the match—and possibly the rest of the series.

What Happened to Rishabh Pant?

Pant’s injury came in an innocuous-looking moment, but the impact was significant. After attempting to glove a wide delivery, Pant signaled discomfort and called for immediate medical attention. Despite brief treatment, the pain appeared to be too much, and he walked off, leaving Dhruv Jurel to take over wicketkeeping duties.

Update: #TeamIndia 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.

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/X4xIDiSmBg #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/MeLIgZ4MrU

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 10, 2025

Later, the BCCI confirmed that Pant had been hit on the finger and is under medical observation. However, as of the morning session of Day 2, no further updates have been issued.

Why Pant’s Injury Is a Major Setback for India

If Pant is ruled out or unable to bat, India faces a huge blow, not only behind the stumps but also with the bat. The Delhi cricketer is India’s second-highest run-getter in the series, having already scored 342 runs in four innings at a staggering average of 85.50.

Pant’s Contributions So Far in the Series:

• 2 Centuries in the first Test at Headingley
• 1 Half-century in the second Test at Edgbaston
• Surpassed MS Dhoni for most Test centuries by an Indian keeper
• Highest run tally by an Asian wicketkeeper in SENA countries

India’s Position in the Match

Despite the injury, India's bowlers held their own on Day 1, forcing England into uncharacteristically slow play. England ended Day 1 at 251/4, with Joe Root (99*) and Ben Stokes (39*) holding the crease.

Bowling Highlights for India:

• Nitish Kumar Reddy: 2 wickets
• Jadeja & Bumrah: 1 wicket each

Will Pant Return? What We Know So Far

As of now, there’s no confirmed update on whether Rishabh Pant will be fit to return to the field. Much will depend on:

1. The severity of swelling or bruising
2. X-ray or scan reports (if done)
3. Medical advice from the BCCI's physio team

If the injury is minor, Pant could bat with protection or rejoin the fielding effort. But if the injury involves a fracture or ligament damage, it could sideline him for the remainder of the series.

Quick Player Stats

Player	Runs (This Series)	Average	Centuries	50s
Rishabh Pant	342	85.50	2	1

India is holding its breath, not just for Pant’s fitness but for the balance of the entire match. His return could change the complexion of this Test. Until then, all eyes are on the BCCI’s next update.

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