Rishabh Pant is likely to take the field for the fourth Test at Old Trafford on 23 July after scans showed “no major injury” to the index finger of his left hand, according to India captain Shubman Gill. The wicketkeeper-batter left Lord’s with his finger heavily strapped, yet Gill insisted post-match that Pant “should be fine” for Manchester.
Pant’s injury came on day one when a Jasprit Bumrah delivery jagged down the leg side. Reaching for the take, Pant was struck flush on the finger and received lengthy treatment. He finished the over but handed the gloves to Dhruv Jurel for the remainder of the match.
Despite the setback, Pant still walked in at No 5 in both innings, compiling 74 from 112 balls first up before a scratchy nine on the final afternoon. There were frequent grimaces: each time the ball hit the middle of the bat the bottom hand would leave the handle, a self-preservation reflex. Chasing 193 on the last day, India were 58 for four when Pant was bowled by Jofra Archer—off stump pegged back while he tried to defend. The tourists eventually fell 22 runs short and now trail 2-1 in the five-match series.
Pant remains India’s second-highest run-getter this series, 425 at 70.83, underlining why selectors and coaches are desperate for a swift recovery. Team medics have prescribed rest, ice and compression; no fractures were detected, only bruising and minor swelling.
Former India keeper Dinesh Karthik sympathised on the host broadcaster’s panel. “Finger injuries play on your mind when you’re standing up to the stumps. Batting you can manage, but keeping is another story.” Ex-England opener Mark Butcher added, “If Pant’s not keeping at Old Trafford, India lose half their balance straightaway.”
Gill was pragmatic about contingency plans. “We’ll keep assessing him day by day. If he’s not ready, we have options, but obviously Rishabh at full tilt gives us the best chance.”
The next batch of fitness tests is scheduled for 20 July, two days before the fourth Test begins. India will travel north hoping their talisman is, indeed, fine.
