London: Rishabh Pant is a key member of the Indian team that is giving hosts England a run for their money in the ongoing Test series.

So when the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter walked out of the Lord’s ground on the opening day of the third Test match, millions of Indian fans were worried.

With England opting to bat first after Shubman Gill lost his third toss, England made slow progress on a slowish pitch on Thursday, abandoning their aggressive style of batting.

Around 45 minutes after lunch, Pant dived to his left to stop an uncharacteristically wayward delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. Pant did get his hands on the ball, but could only half-stop it, rrsulting in two byes.

As the ’keeper took off his gloves and grimaced in pain, the medical staff rushed out to attend to him. Play was held up for a few minutes as the magic spray was out, and Pant also took some painkillers. He decided to continue, but at the end of the over, Pant left the field, and substitute Dhruv Jurel took over the big gloves.

As fans and well-wishers wondered whether Pant’s injury was serious enough to rule him out for a long period, TV commentator Michael Atherton provided an update on the Indian wicketkeeper.

The former England captain said on air that Pant had ‘chipped a fingernail’.

“Still no Rishabh Pant. News from the dressing room is that he has chipped a fingernail. He is receiving ice treatment,” Atherton said.

That should be relatively good news for the team. Though Pant remained in the dressing room till the time of publishing this report, well into the last session, he should be able to take part in the match after some rest and treatment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wasn’t able to give a clear indication on Pant’s return.

“Update: #TeamIndia vice-captain Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger. He is receiving treatment at the moment and is under the supervision of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is currently keeping wickets in Rishabh’s absence,” was all that BCCI posted on X.

Fingers will be crossed. Even though Jurel is an able replacement as keeper, he won’t be allowed to bat.

Pant’s contribution with the bat will be crucial for the visiting team. He has already aggregated 332 runs in just 2 Tests, including centuries in both innings of the first match.