Manchester Test: Will Team India Field 3 Wicketkeepers? Selection Dilemma Looms Ahead of Fourth Test

As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, team management is facing a tough selection call—whether to field three wicketkeeper-batsmen in the playing XI. The dilemma stems from an injury to star keeper Rishabh Pant, which has cast doubts over his fitness as a wicketkeeper, though he remains a vital cog in the batting order.

Pant’s Fitness a Major Concern

Pant injured his left-hand finger while keeping on Day 1 of the previous Test at Lord’s. Although he bravely came out to bat in both innings—scoring a gritty half-century in the first—his discomfort was evident in the second innings, where he was dismissed cheaply.

While skipper Shubman Gill expressed hope that Pant would recover in time, Assistant Coach Ryan Ten Doeschate’s recent comments have sparked speculation. Speaking during a practice session in Beckenham, he said:

“He will bat before the Manchester Test. I don’t think you want to keep Pant out of the team under any circumstance. But we must be sure he can keep wickets. We don’t want to switch keepers mid-match again.”

Three Keepers in One XI?

If Pant is included as a specialist batsman, India will need a dedicated wicketkeeper. The likely choices are KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel:

• KL Rahul has kept wickets in the past but is now a preferred top-order batsman, and the team might avoid burdening him with dual responsibility.

• Dhruv Jurel, a young and promising wicketkeeper, could be brought in specifically for the keeping role.

This scenario means India could field an XI with Rishabh Pant (batsman), KL Rahul (top-order batsman), and Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)—three players who are all keepers by trade.

Tactical Gamble or Necessary Adjustment?

While rare, such a selection could give India flexibility, especially with Pant’s explosive batting in the middle order and Rahul’s consistency at the top. Jurel, meanwhile, could solidify his place with a strong performance behind the stumps.

With India trailing in the five-Test series, the Manchester Test becomes crucial to keep hopes alive. All eyes are now on the final fitness test of Pant and the playing XI announcement, which may feature one of the most unusual combinations seen in Indian Test history.