LONDON: As India prepares for the crucial third Test against England at Lord’s, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant offered high praise for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, revealing that keeping wickets to him is even more challenging than facing him as a batsman.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the Test, Pant lauded Bumrah’s precision, intelligence, and unique action, which makes life difficult not only for opposing batters but also for those behind the stumps.
“I think everything about him is special — his accuracy, the way his mind works… it’s just amazing,” said Pant. “But I think it’s more difficult for the wicketkeeper than the batsman, especially in English conditions.”
Bumrah is set to return to the Indian XI after being rested in the second Test at Edgbaston, where India recorded a dominant 336-run victory. His comeback at Lord’s will likely see Prasidh Krishna making way, as India balances their pace-spin attack.
Pant also spoke about the unique challenges at Lord’s, where the famous slope—approximately eight feet across the ground—adds to the unpredictability of deliveries, particularly from someone like Bumrah who can generate sharp late movement with minimal effort.
With 210 wickets in 46 Tests at an average below 20, Bumrah is already being spoken of in the same breath as some of the game’s greatest fast bowlers. His return is expected to boost an Indian side already brimming with confidence.
Though India hasn’t confirmed its playing XI, captain Shubman Gill indicated that Bumrah will play. The bowling combination is still under discussion, said Pant:
“Sometimes the wicket changes colour or loses moisture. We’ll assess it tomorrow before making a final call.”
India’s bowling at Edgbaston was led by Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, supported by spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. That mix may change based on Lord’s pitch conditions.
Meanwhile, England has recalled speedster Jofra Archer in a desperate bid to halt India’s momentum, especially after being steamrolled in the last match. India has already registered seven individual centuries in two Tests, with Shubman Gill leading the charge with scores of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston — innings that powered India to its biggest overseas Test win by runs.
Pant also played a crucial role in that win, with a quickfire 65 in the second innings, which shut the door on England’s chances. His form has been impressive — especially after becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score centuries in both innings during India’s narrow loss in the first Test at Headingley.
Sharing his approach to batting, Pant said,
“I just try to keep my mindset clear — one ball at a time. I do try to understand what the opposition wants from me, but at the end of the day, you have to back your own plan and play your game.”
As India heads into the Lord’s Test with the series levelled, all eyes will be on Bumrah’s return and Pant’s continued brilliance behind the stumps and with the bat.
