India's third Test against England at Lord's witnessed an unexpected change in roles, as young Dhruv Jurel took over the gloves from Rishabh Pant.
It wasn’t a planned switch but after Pant suffered an injury on Day 1, and with his finger in visible discomfort, the team turned to Jurel to take charge behind the stumps.
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On Day 4, former cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik couldn’t help but express admiration for Jurel's sharp work, even joking that Pant should split his match earnings with the stand-in keeper.
Why did Dhruv Jurel replace Pant as wicketkeeper during the Lord's Test?
The change came after Rishabh Pant injured his left index finger while trying to take a catch off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling on the opening day. The blow was serious enough to require medical attention.
Though Pant attempted to stay on, consuming water and medicine, he eventually walked off a few overs later. As per updated ICC protocols, Jurel was allowed to take over as the designated substitute wicketkeeper for the rest of the innings.
Pant returned to bat later in India’s first innings and even managed to score a gritty 74 off 112 balls, but his work behind the stumps was left to Jurel for the rest of the match.
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What did Dinesh Karthik say about Jurel’s wicketkeeping in the Lord’s Test?
During commentary on Day 4, Dinesh Karthik cheekily said, “Rishabh Pant should share his match fees with Dhruv Jurel.”
Jurel was quick and alert behind the stumps. He took three catches in England’s first innings, including a crucial one to dismiss Ollie Pope on the very first ball after the Tea break on Day 1.
On Day 4, he continued his excellent glovework while standing up to the stumps for bowlers like Akash Deep and Nitish Reddy, a task far from easy on a pitch offering variable bounce and swing.
Despite being new to the Test setup, Jurel showed maturity and calm, not letting pressure or conditions get the better of him.
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Will Pant be fit for the next match, and what’s next for Jurel?
Pant’s return to bat after the injury and his 74-run knock were promising signs. India will hope he recovers in time for the fourth Test.
However, with performances like this, Jurel has only strengthened his place as a dependable backup. Since debuting in 2024 against England, he’s been seen as one for the future.