ENG vs IND 2025: Rishabh Pant's run-out was the biggest turning point of Lord's Test, says Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar felt that Rishabh Pant's run-out at the stroke of Lunch on Day 2 of the third Test of the ongoing five-match series between England and India changed the complexion of the contest. Pant was dismissed on 74 off 112 after trying to attempt a quick run, only to fall inches short of the crease.  

Gavaskar felt KL Rahul and Pant had complemented each other really well in the 141-run stand for the fourth wicket up until the wicketkeeper-batter's run-out on the third ball of the 66th over of India's first innings.

"That was the biggest turning point of the match. Both batters were going so well, splendid batting from them. It was like a fire-and-ice combination. Rahul was all calm precision, playing calculated strokes, while Rishabh Pant brought power and punch, really putting pressure on the England bowling attack. It was a rollicking partnership, and then, just in that last hour before Lunch, the run-out changed everything," stated Gavaskar in a conversation with India Today.

Gavaskar also felt that the effect of Pant's run-out would most definitely have weighed in on Rahul's mind too, which in turn led to his departure shortly after the interval.

"Yes, we did manage to get to the 100-run mark after Lunch, but a run-out like that can linger in the mind. Maybe that's why, after the hundred, there was just a slight lapse - a shot that got Rahul out. So, in a short span, India lost two well-set batters. Suddenly, two new batters had to come in and build a partnership from scratch and that’s never easy," he added.

The run-out was disappointing for both of us: Rahul

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India ended up scoring as many as the hosts in their first innings (387) before falling 22 short of what would have been a victory for the ages. Shubman Gill & Co. currently trail the English by a match and would be keen on drawing level in the fourth red-ball clash to be played at Old Trafford.