IND vs SL: Rishabh Pant Injury Update: What Happened to India Wicketkeeper and will he return in this Match?

Rishabh Pant’s early exit from the field created an injury scare for India on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The wicketkeeper-batter was forced to retire hurt after being struck on his left forearm by a short delivery from Lahiru Kumara. He had just come into the crease and was batting on 3 when it happened, and the southpaw didn’t feature after that.

What happened to Rishabh Pant?

Pant was batting on three when Kumara bowled a sharp short ball that climbed into his body. Pant attempted to pull the delivery but failed to make proper contact, with the ball striking him on the left forearm, just below the wrist. He immediately appeared in considerable discomfort and received treatment from the Indian physio.

After spending some time on the field, Pant walked off and was officially recorded as retired hurt, with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him at the crease alongside Devdutt Padikkal. Pant was later seen in the dressing room with an ice pack on the affected area as the medical team assessed him.

The incident naturally raised concerns given Pant’s importance to India’s Test side and his history of injury setbacks.

Will Rishabh Pant play in this Test?

The initial signs are encouraging. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided a positive update after the day’s play, indicating that the injury was not considered serious. He said Pant should be fine to bat on Day 2, suggesting that the wicketkeeper-batter could return to the middle once India resumes its first innings.

However, Pant’s final participation will depend on how the injury responds overnight and the medical team’s assessment before play. India also have Dhruv Jurel in the XI, providing them with wicketkeeping cover if required.

India pile Runs on Day 1

Despite losing Pant, India enjoyed a strong opening day. Devdutt Padikkal continued his outstanding series with a superb 117, while Shubman Gill contributed a half-century. India eventually reached 300/5 at stumps, with Jadeja dismissed for 43 late in the day. The visitors, already 1-0 ahead in the series, finished Day 1 firmly in control.