India have suffered a major concern during the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is dealing with a shoulder injury, according to India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel.
The injury affected Pant’s movement and forced him to miss wicketkeeping duties on the third day. India will now wait for further updates before deciding whether Pant can return behind the stumps on Day 4.
What happened to Rishabh Pant?
Pant injured his shoulder while batting on the 2nd day of the Colombo Test. He was later seen in the dressing room with his hand bandaged.
The injury was serious enough to affect his movement during the warm-up before the 3rd day’s play. As a result, Pant did not take the field as India’s wicketkeeper. Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties for India.
Will Rishabh Pant play on Day 4?
Morne Morkel said India will monitor Pant’s condition overnight. The team remains hopeful that the wicketkeeper-batter will be fit enough to return behind the stumps on the 4th day.
Morkel also highlighted how important Pant is to the team because of his ability to understand the game and read situations quickly. However, Pant’s availability will depend on how his shoulder responds.
What did Morne Morkel say about Pant’s injury?
Morkel described Pant as being in considerable discomfort. He explained that the injury had limited the batter’s movement while warming up.
India’s coaching staff will continue to assess him before making a decision about his role on Day 4. For now, Pant’s return remains hopeful but not confirmed.
Dhruv Jurel ready to step in
With Pant unavailable on Day 3, Dhruv Jurel took responsibility behind the stumps. Jurel is India’s other wicketkeeping option in the squad.
His presence gives India some cover if Pant is unable to continue keeping wickets. However, the Indian team will clearly prefer having Pant back if he is fit enough to play safely.
What is update on Kuldeep Yadav?
Morkel also spoke about Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from the second Test. According to the bowling coach, Kuldeep had been affected by a viral fever before the match.
Morkel suggested that the spinner would have been strongly considered for selection had he been fully available. He also said the final selection decision was not in his hands.
India want quick wickets on Day 4
India will also have one clear goal when play resumes on Wednesday. They want to take the remaining two Sri Lankan wickets as quickly as possible.
Sri Lanka’s lower order has shown strong resistance, with players such as Sonal Dinusha, Keshara Nuwantha and Lahiru Kumara fighting hard.
That has delayed India’s push for victory. Morkel acknowledged that such situations are part of Test cricket and said India will look to finish the job quickly.
Why Pant’s fitness matters for India?
Pant is more than just India’s wicketkeeper. His aggressive batting can change the momentum of a Test match, while his experience behind the stumps gives India another tactical advantage.
His ability to read the game is also something Morkel specifically highlighted. With India trying to finish the Test strongly, having Pant fit and available would be a major boost.
For now, the Indian team will wait for the overnight assessment before deciding whether Rishabh Pant can return on Day 4.