A cloud of uncertainty hangs over India`s batting plans at Lord`s following a finger injury sustained by key player Rishabh Pant. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman did not take the field at the start of the second day`s play, with discomfort in his left index finger keeping him sidelined. Young Dhruv Jurel stepped in as a substitute fielder.
The injury occurred during the first day`s action. In pursuit of a delivery straying down the leg side from Jasprit Bumrah, Pant dove to his left. The ball struck the tip of his index finger, resulting in immediate visible pain. After receiving attention from the team physio, including pain-relief sprays that proved insufficient, Pant requested a substitution and left the field at the end of the over.
Hopes for his immediate return to the field were dampened on the second morning. Although Pant arrived at the ground and attempted some light drills with assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak, he appeared visibly uncomfortable. A telling sign of his struggle was observed when he practiced defensive batting strokes using only his right hand before returning to the dressing room. Wicketkeepers, whose fingers are constantly under pressure, facing injury is perhaps an occupational hazard, but the timing here is particularly inconvenient.
An official update indicated Pant remained under medical supervision. While scans had not been conducted at the time of the release, suggesting a fracture was not the primary concern, the level of discomfort is clearly significant enough to impede his fielding duties.
Despite being unable to keep wickets or field, India holds onto the hope that their vice-captain will be available to bat. Cricket regulations permit a player to bat at their designated position if they are fit enough, provided the injury was sustained on the field and is not due to illness. Given this was an external injury during play, Pant would be eligible to bat at his crucial No. 5 position if he can manage the pain and physical demands.
Pant`s contribution with the bat has been vital for India in this series, highlighted by two centuries and a half-century in four innings prior to this Test. His potential absence or reduced effectiveness with the bat would necessitate a significant reshuffle in the middle order and diminish India`s lower-order hitting power. As the match unfolds, India will be closely monitoring their injured star, hoping for a swift recovery that allows him to play his part with the bat, even if fielding remains out of the question.
