Rishabh Pant set to bat on Colombo Test day two, coach says

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has said Rishabh Pant is set to bat on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Pant retired hurt on day one after being struck on the left wrist by a short delivery from Lahiru Kumara in the 58th over of India’s innings.

“Rishabh Pant will be fine to bat tomorrow,” Kotak said after play concluded, easing concerns over the wicketkeeper-batter’s availability.

Under ICC Test match rules, a batter who retires hurt due to injury can return to the crease later in the same innings, subject to medical clearance.

India closed day one at 300 for 5, built around a century from Devdutt Padikkal, his second in as many Tests, and a 120-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill.

Overnight batters Dhruv Jurel and debutant Saransh Jain are set to resume India’s innings when play begins at 10 AM IST, with India aiming to push their total well past 350.

Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando finished day one with figures of 3 for 46 and is expected to lead the bowling attack again as play resumes on day two.

India go into the day aiming to push their first-innings total well past 350, having already secured a 1-0 series lead following their 165-run win in the first Test at Galle.

Pant retired hurt on 3 not out after being struck on the left wrist by a short delivery from Lahiru Kumara in the 58th over of India’s innings.

Under ICC Test match rules, a batter who retires hurt due to injury is permitted to return later in the same innings, subject to medical clearance.

India closed day one at 300 for 5, built around a century from Devdutt Padikkal, his second in as many Tests, and a 120-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill.

Photo by Bollywood Hungama, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0