IND vs NZ: Why did Dhruv Jurel keep wickets for India instead of Rishabh Pant? Rohit Sharma gives update

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In the IND vs NZ Test match on Thursday, October 17, Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties from Rishabh Pant in the final hour of Day 2 after an injury suffered by the latter while attempting a stumping.

The incident occurred during the 37th over, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. Pant was attempting to collect a turning delivery that Devon Conway missed, resulting in a stumping opportunity.

Unfortunately, the ball struck Pant on his unprotected knee, leaving him in significant pain. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, the wicketkeeper was unable to continue and had to leave the field.

As Pant hobbled off, the team needed a replacement behind the stumps. Under the 2018 rule change that allows substitute wicketkeepers, Dhruv Jurel came on to replace the injured Pant. The commentators speculated about KL Rahul taking over, but 23-year-old Jurel was seen entering the field, fully padded and ready to slot in behind the wickets.

The ICC Test match regulations, as per MCC rule 24.1.2, say that "A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires."

Substitute keeper Jurel, who had earned his maiden call-up earlier in 2024, was familiar with the team setup as he had been part of the Test squad since the series against England. However, he had largely been relegated to backup status upon Pant's return to the playing XI as part of India's strategy of having two wicketkeepers for home matches.

How did Dhruv Jurel perform after replacing Rishabh Pant?

After coming on in place of Rishabh Pant, Jurel had a largely uneventful afternoon barring a close call when Devon Conway was bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin. The umpires checked if Jurel's gloves had come in front of the stumps, which could have resulted in a no-ball. However, replays cleared any doubt, sparing the young cricketer's blushes.

After an embarrassing batting display that saw the Indian team getting bowled out for 46, which is their lowest total ever in home Test matches, Team India will look to change gears in bowling and fielding to prevent New Zealand from running away with a massive win in the first Test match.

What did captain Rohit Sharma say about Rishabh Pant's injury?

One positive news for Indian fans will be the injury update given by captain Rohit Sharma regarding Rishabh Pant. In the press conference after Day 2, Rohit allayed any fears of Rishabh being out for a long period of time.

"Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg which he has done a surgery," the captain said. "So, he has got a little bit of swelling on it and the muscles are quite tender at this point of time."

"It is a precautionary measure. That was the reason for him to go inside. Hopefully, he can recover," Rohit added.

It is important to remember that this is only the third Test match that Rishabh Pant has played since his horrific car accident in December 2022, which will be on the minds of physios while assessing his latest knee injury.