India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will be fit to bat on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on his left wrist by a short delivery from Lahiru Kumara in the 58th over. He attempted a pull shot but only managed to glove the ball before immediately showing discomfort. After receiving treatment from the physio and an ice pack, Pant walked off, with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him at the crease.
However, Kotak allayed India’s concerns after the day’s play.
“Rishabh Pant will be fine to bat tomorrow,” Kotak said.
The update is significant for India, who ended the opening day at 300/5 after choosing to bat first.
Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer, scoring 117 from 193 balls for his second century of the series. He shared a 120-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who contributed a half-century.
India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul early, while Gill, Padikkal and Ravindra Jadeja were among the other wickets to fall. Jadeja was dismissed for 43 by Asitha Fernando with the final delivery of the day.
At stumps, Dhruv Jurel was unbeaten on 7 and Saransh Jain on 4, with Pant still to come.
India will look to add substantial runs on the second morning before giving Sri Lanka a chance to bat. With the pitch beginning to offer increasing assistance to the spinners, Pant’s ability to score quickly could prove particularly valuable.
A key point to watch on Day 2 will be how much India can add before Pant arrives and whether his wrist affects his strokeplay.
