The start to Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s had its share of drama, both on and off the field. The moment that drew laughs and attention alike came when former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik cheekily said on air, “Rishabh Pant should share his match fees with Dhruv Jurel.” His comment came after Jurel, who came in as a substitute for an injured Pant, was seen keeping wickets for the majority of the match.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Pant had left the field after suffering a finger injury while attempting a diving stop off Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1. According to ICC rules, a substitute can only keep wickets with the umpires’ approval in cases of genuine injury — a condition Jurel met. However, while he can keep, he cannot bat or bowl as a substitute.
Jurel’s tidy glovework and on-field energy didn’t go unnoticed, especially as England collapsed to 87/4 in the early hours of Day 4, with wickets falling to Siraj, Nitish Reddy, and Akash Deep. The young keeper’s presence prompted Karthik’s light-hearted jab, acknowledging Jurel’s crucial contribution in Pant’s absence.
Poll
Do you believe the substitution rule for injured players is fair?
On Saturday, India had posted 387 in reply to England’s first-innings score, thanks to KL Rahul’s elegant century and fifties from Pant and Jadeja. Pant had scored a fluent 74 before being run out by Ben Stokes, leaving a mark once again with the bat.While fans wait for updates on Pant’s fitness, Karthik’s remark adds some levity to a tightly contested Test. As things stand, India may be forced to rely on Jurel’s glove work but will hope they don’t miss Pant’s presence with the bat later in the match.
