England seized control of the five-match series with a tight 22-run win at Lord’s, moving ahead 2–1. Yet amidst the heartbreak, several Indian players stood tall with standout performances that delivered a silver lining. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant, renowned for his fearless batting, was once again India’s brightest spark. Encouragingly for England, his fitness remains a key uncertainty ahead of the Manchester Test—something they will quietly welcome.
Pant left the field early on Day 1 after being struck on his left index finger while keeping, prompting substitute Dhruv Jurel to take over behind the stumps. Despite the setback, Pant fought on and batted in both innings, scoring a gutsy 74 in the first dig. But his absence from gloves duty in the second innings left India unbalanced.
Former head coach Ravi Shastri criticised the idea of playing him solely as a specialist batter, warning that fielding without gloves could aggravate the injury and that if he plays, he must be ready to keep and bat effectively. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered a more measured perspective. He confirmed Pant will be “fit to play both roles” in Manchester, noting the injury is easing and said India won’t risk re-opening a wound by forcing him onto the field prematurely.
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If Pant’s hand still troubles him, India may opt to rest him fully. In that scenario, wicket-keeper duties would fall to either KL Rahul—if selected—or Jurel, who impressed with sharp glovework at Lord’s. Meanwhile, there has been chatter around reshuffling the batting order; Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran might replace Karun Nair in the Manchester lineup.
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Beyond the gloves, Pant’s heroics with the bat remain undeniable. He has piled up 425 runs in six innings, including twin hundreds at Headingley and half-centuries in Birmingham and London. His series average currently stands at a formidable 70.83, and he’s the second-highest scorer overall.
Yet the team must balance brilliance with prudence. With the series hanging in the balance and a must‑win Test approaching, a clear assessment of Pant’s health is vital. A conservative approach—ensuring he’s fully recovered before taking up flannels again—could preserve his top form for the remaining matches, including the pivotal Old Trafford clash.
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India’s resilience and strategic adaptation will be on display in Manchester. Pant’s availability could be the x‑factor. If he plays, India gain his explosive batting and dynamic presence behind the stumps. If he sits out, the team must recalibrate, ensuring continuity in both batting depth and glovework. The next few days will shape India’s path forward in this gripping contest.
