India’s Test against England at Lord’s hit a roadblock when Rishabh Pant walked off the field after tea.
His sudden exit raised concerns especially since his form has been one of India’s biggest positives in the series.
Pant got hurt while collecting a delivery down the leg side from Jasprit Bumrah. It looked like a routine take but he seemed to jam his left index finger in the process.
He was treated immediately with the physio applying a magic spray. But it wasn’t enough. He walked off and didn’t return for the rest of the session.
Former England captain Michael Atherton said on air that Pant had chipped a fingernail. And soon after the BCCI confirmed:
“Team India vice-captain Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger. He is receiving treatment and is under the medical team’s supervision.”
This isn’t just any player getting injured. It’s Rishabh Pant a key player. He’s the second-highest run-scorer for India in the series with 342 runs.
His twin hundreds at Headingley showed how important he is even if India lost that match. At Edgbaston his 65 in the second innings helped shift the momentum.
He’s been doing the job both with the bat and behind the stumps. Now with Dhruv Jurel keeping wickets there’s a big gap to fill both technically and in terms of energy on the field.
If India ends up chasing a big target Pant’s absence could hurt. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t wait he goes after the bowling and changes the game in a session.
Without him India might have to play safe and slow which can be risky in a pressure situation.
His aggressive batting is what gives India the edge. If he can’t bat that changes everything. The team might have to reshuffle the batting order and rethink their approach.
Right now all eyes are on the medical team. India will be hoping this is just a minor issue. But going by how serious it looked when he walked off the field fans have every reason to worry.
India needs Pant both for his runs and his presence. If he’s out for long it could be a big setback. For now fingers crossed.
