Eng vs Ind: If Rishabh Pant is not available in the rest of the master’s exams, why is it not a bat when Dhruv Jurel can maintain the wicket?
Add a dramatic twist inside The Lord’s Third Test‘s, India Vice Captain Rishab pants He suffered painful finger injuries while wicket keeping and sent shockwaves through Indian camps and fans around the world. The incident occurred in the second session when panties attempted a diving collection on the foot were hit with his left index finger. The severity of the blow was clear as play stopped for a few minutes, and the pants were replaced by the back of the stump after being seen by a doctor. Dhruv Jurel For the rest of the day. The uncertainty surrounding fitness in pants led to important questions. Can he hit?
Why is dhruv jurel not a bat when the Lord’s Jurel can be maintained for Rishav’s pants?
Cricket law allows alternative fielders or wicketkeepers in the event of a field injury, but the rules for batting alternatives in Test cricket are far more restrictive. According to the current situation International Cricket Council (ICC) Regulations, alternatives can be kept only in the field or in the event of maintenance. They do not allow bats, bowls or captains. This means that if pants are deemed unfit for a bat, India will be forced to play in one batter short, given the star shape of pants in the series.
The confusion among fans was further driven by the recent announcement of the ICC, by trying alternatives to “similar” injuries in first-class cricket in the country. However, this rule has not yet been extended to international test matches. In tests, the only exception that allows a full play exchange is in the case of concussions, according to the alternative rules for concussions introduced in 2019. For other injuries, such as pants finger injuries, substitutes – here, the jurell can only keep the wicket and field, but not the bat in the pants location.
Dhruv Jurel takes the gloves when Rishabh Pant disappears for treatment with his hands 🔃 pic.twitter.com/lgdgi34in7
– Sky Sports Cricket (@skycricket) July 10, 2025
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The absence of pants unfolds a strategic setback in India
India’s team balance and strategy will be hit hard if Pants fail to take the field as batter. Pants are one of India’s outstanding performers in the series, and losing his batting prowess could prove devastating, especially in a closely contested match at Lords. Indian Cricket Committee (BCCI) Pant confirmed he was under medical supervision, but the team and fans left suspenseful because he didn’t clarify the availability of his bat.
This scenario highlights the unique challenges posed by current ICC regulations. Alternative rules for concussions provide teams with protection against head injuries, but other forms of injuries still expose the team. The ongoing exams in domestic cricket could ultimately pave the way for a wider implementation of similar alternatives in the test, but for now, India should want a quick recovery of the star wicketkeeper batter.
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