India vice-captain and star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the ground at Lord's on Day 1 of India vs. England third Test.
The hosts opted to bat first for the first time in this series after Ben Stokes won the toss. India got off to a flying start with Nitish Kumar Reddy sending both the English openers early in the innings.
Joe Root and Ollie Pope, however, stitched a solid partnership after the early damage as the duo are on the verge of putting 100 runs together on the board.
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In the second session, the visitors dealt a massive blow as Pant walked off the pitch with an injured finger.
Is Rishabh Pant injured? Dhruv Jurel takes up wicketkeeping duties
The incident happened in the 34th over of the match when the ace Indian wicket-keeper tried to stop a ball after Pope flicked Jasprit Bumrah's delivery on the leg side.
While Pant saved two important runs, he injured the tip of his finger in the process and left the ground to get medical attention. Dhruv rushed to the pitch to replace the 27-year-old.
Dhruv Jurel takes the gloves as Rishabh Pant goes off for treatment on his hand 🔃 pic.twitter.com/LGDgi34IN7
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2025
The Indian team and fans would hope that Pant's injury isn't too serious and he recovers soon before they come out to bat.
MORE: India vs. England LIVE match scorecard, win predictor, betting odds for Day 1
What next for the Indian cricket team?
Indian bowlers will aim to break the Root-Pope partnership as soon as possible to put some pressure on the hosts.