ENG vs IND [WATCH] Dinesh Karthik explains why Dhruv Jurel outshines Rishabh Pant as a wicketkeeper

The opening day of the third Test between England and India at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground saw not just gripping cricketing action but also a key talking point around wicketkeeping. As Rishabh Pant sustained a minor finger injury during the second session, Dhruv Jurel was handed the gloves — and his performance behind the stumps quickly earned applause, especially from veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik.

Rishabh Pant’s injury brings Dhruv Jurel into the spotlight

Pant, who has been a vital contributor for India with both bat and gloves in this series, injured his finger while collecting a delivery during the post-lunch session. Though scans revealed no major concern, the team management decided to rest him for the remainder of the day. This opened the door for young Jurel, who grabbed the opportunity with both hands — literally.

Just after tea, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Ollie Pope with a turning ball that caught the inside edge, and Jurel pouched it cleanly down the leg side. The catch not only ended a threatening partnership but also sparked comparisons between the two keepers.

Dinesh Karthik breaks down the technical edge Jurel has over Pant

Appearing on the Sky Sports broadcast, Karthik provided an insightful analysis of Jurel’s superior glovework. “Jurel stays lower and closer to his keeping pads than Pant,” Karthik pointed out, adding that the youngster’s positioning gave him a more stable base.

To further support his observations, Karthik drew comparisons using video clips. While Jurel was shown collecting a turning ball with calm control, Pant — in a similar scenario — appeared off balance and missed the chance. The analysis suggested that Jurel’s classical technique gives him an edge in wicketkeeping over the more flamboyant Pant.

“The position of the right leg is crucial — it determines how well your head aligns with your gloves. Jurel keeps his right foot wider, near the off-stump line, which gives him excellent balance. Pant’s foot, in contrast, is tucked in closer to his body,” he added.

Here’s the video:

“It’s enabled him to take a really hard catch and make it look easy” 👏

DK dissects Dhruv Jurel’s outstanding catch to dismiss Ollie Pope 🧐 pic.twitter.com/VJf9yMxa7M

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 10, 2025

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Missed chances cast shadow over Pant’s form behind the stumps

Though Pant has played a crucial role with the bat and effected important dismissals in the earlier Tests, his work behind the stumps hasn’t been flawless. He has dropped several catches in the series, which has raised questions about consistency in his glovework — a contrast to the assured and textbook style of Jurel, as seen at Lord’s.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Nitish Kumar Reddy credits Australian great for success on Day 1 of Lord’s Test