IND vs ENG | Massive blow for India? What if Pant misses the remainder of the Lords Test – Find out

London: India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant walked off the field during the second session's play on the opening day of the third Test against England after suffering a blow to his left hand here on Thursday.

Pant was replaced by Dhruv Jurel, who is not in the playing XI for the third Test, behind the wickets after on-field treatment did not help the India vice-captain.

Pant was grimacing in pain after putting in a dive to stop a delivery on his left, which Jasprit Bumrah had sprayed down the leg side in the 34th over of the innings.

Pant had managed to get his hands on the ball but could not stop it entirely as England batters Joe Root and Ollie Pope scampered for a couple.

The play was then held up for a while as Pant received treatment on his hand from the Indian support staff, but the wicketkeeper kept shrugging his hands when play resumed.

Eventually, Pant left the field after the end of Bumrah's over with Jurel taking over the charge of wicketkeeping.

What happens if Pant is deemed unfit?

If Rishabh Pant is deemed unfit to continue in the third Test at Lord’s, India will not be permitted to bring in a like-for-like replacement or a full substitute. According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, only concussion substitutes have been allowed in Test cricket since 2019. While a substitute fielder may be introduced, their role is limited — they cannot bowl or captain the side, and may only keep wicket with the express consent of the umpires. In effect, this means India cannot field a complete replacement for Pant under current Test match regulations. (With inputs from Agencies)