Can Dhruv Jurel bat If Rishabh Pant doesn't keep wickets in ENG vs IND 3rd Test 2025?

On the opening day of the third Test against England, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant sustained a finger injury while attempting to stop a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. As a result, Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the substitute wicketkeeper for the rest of the day. Previously, such a replacement wasn't allowed, and a player from the playing XI had to take over keeping duties. However, a rule change in 2017 permits the inclusion of a substitute keeper with the on-field umpires’ approval, though the substitute has restricted roles under the updated playing conditions.

Pant is currently being monitored by the BCCI’s medical team, and it’s unclear whether he will resume keeping duties on Day 2. If Pant does not return, India could face a critical setback as Jurel, being a substitute, is not permitted to bat or bowl. According to the ICC’s Playing Conditions (Section 24.1.2), a substitute can only act as a fielder or wicketkeeper – substitutes may not bat or bowl unless replacing a player for a concussion, which has its own protocols for replacement.

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Given Pant's contribution with two centuries in the series, if Pant is ruled out, it will lessen India's chances of winning at Lord's. In the absence of Pant, India will be left with ten available batters. This illustrates the significance of Pant not only for the "balance" and "competitive nature" of India, but also to put himself back into that intense pressure against England.

Jurel took a brilliant catch to dismiss Ollie Pope

Dhruv Jurel made a significant impact as a substitute wicketkeeper for Rishabh Pant during the opening day of the third Test between India and England. Jurel pulled off a brilliant catch to dismiss Ollie Pope off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling in the 50th over. The dismissal came on the very first ball after the tea break when Jadeja managed to induce an edge. Jurel was perfectly positioned behind the stumps, keeping his head close to his gloves, and completed the sharp catch with great precision, removing a well-set Pope, who was batting on 44.

The wicket came at a crucial time, as Pope had started to rebuild England’s innings alongside Joe Root. Jurel’s presence behind the stumps added a much-needed boost to India’s fielding setup in Pant's absence. Known for his steady performances, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) cricketer has featured in four Tests so far, accumulating 202 runs at an impressive average of 40.40, including a half-century. His agility and alertness were on full display, and his contribution with the gloves under pressure highlighted his potential as a reliable option for the future.