COLOMBO — India's dominating run in the second Test against Sri Lanka has been shadowed by growing concerns over star keeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Following the conclusion of Day 3 in Colombo, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update regarding Pant's physical condition after he sustained a painful blow to his right shoulder earlier in the match.
Pant suffered the blow on Day 1 of the Test, forcing him to retire hurt temporarily. Showing grit, the dynamic left-hander returned to the crease on Day 2, scoring a crucial 63 off 89 balls and stitching together a decisive 112-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel to put India in complete command.
However, Pant was visibly uncomfortable and did not take the field for wicketkeeping duties during Sri Lanka’s innings, with Jurel wearing the gloves instead. Cameras caught Pant icing his right shoulder on the dressing-room balcony throughout Day 3.
Speaking to reporters after the third day's play, Morkel admitted that the injury is causing significant restriction in Pant's movement.
"Rishabh obviously got hit on the shoulder, and his right shoulder is quite badly bruised," Morkel said. "When he tried to warm up this morning, his movement was a little restricted. The medical team will keep monitoring him overnight, and hopefully, he’ll be behind the stumps for us tomorrow. It’s vital to have him out there because his reading of the game from behind the wickets is exceptional."
Despite the setback, Team India remains laser-focused on sealing a victory in Colombo. Morkel signaled that India's primary objective on Day 4 is to wrap up Sri Lanka's lower order early and potentially enforce the follow-on.
"Enforcing the follow-on will be the first prize—getting those remaining two wickets early tomorrow," Morkel explained. "With the weather staying unpredictable around here, taking the covers on and off eats into game time. We want to maximize the overs we can bowl at Sri Lanka, be brave, put them back in, and execute our plans."
