Rishabh Pant‘s injury has become a major concern for India during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The Wicketkeeper-batter was unable to take the gloves on Day 3 after suffering a shoulder injury earlier in the match. India bowling coach Morne Morkel has now provided an update on Rishabh Pant‘s condition, with the team set to assess him overnight.
Rishabh Pant’s Shoulder Injury Raises Concern for India
Pant picked up the injury on Day 1 when a rising delivery struck him on the wrist. He had to leave the field after facing only three balls, but the Indian batter returned on Day 2 and played an important innings. Rishabh Pant scored 63 runs from 89 balls after making his comeback to the crease. Pant’s contribution helped India push their first-innings total to 503/9 declared. However, despite being able to bat, Pant was not considered fit enough to keep wickets.
Dhruv Jurel took responsibility behind the stumps as India began their bowling innings. The decision allowed Pant to avoid putting further strain on his injured shoulder while India continued to put Sri Lanka under pressure.
Morne Morkel provides an update on Rishabh Pant
Speaking after the conclusion of Day 3, Morkel gave a clear update on Pant’s condition.
” Rishabh Pant’s shoulder is badly bruised. He will be assessed overnight, we want his experience behind the stumps because he reads the game really well.”
Morkel’s comments highlight how important Pant is to India’s plans behind the stumps. the team values not only his wicketkeeping ability but also his experience and understanding of match situations. India will therefore wait for the overnight assessment before deciding whether Pant can return to wicketkeeping duties.
India Dominate as Sri Lanka Reach 265/8
While Pant’s remained a concern, India’s bowlers-maintained control over the Test. After declaring their first innings at 503/9, India reduced Sri Lanka to 265/8 by the end of Day 3. Prasidh Krishna was the standout bowler for India, taking 3/47 in 14 overs. He removed Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara and Kamindu Mendis to keep Sri Lanka’s batting lineup under pressure.
Sri Lanka found some resistance through Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha. Sooriyabandara scored 80, while Dinushu remained unbeaten on 85 at stumps. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka finished the day 238 runs behind India’s first-innings total. With only two wickets left in Sri Lanka’s first innings quickly, while the focus will also remain on Pant’s shoulder.
For India, Pant’s return behind the stumps would provide valuable experience and game awareness. However, Morkel’s update indicates that the team will first assess the injury before taking any decision on his wicketkeeping role.
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