![Rishabh Pant batting [Source: AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1787489141058_RishabhPantbatting.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant batting [Source: AP Photos]
The India vs Sri Lanka second Test in Colombo saw the visitors dominate on Day 1, with Shubman Gill's men putting up a total of 300 runs by the end of the day’s play.
However, one concern prevented the Men in Blue from being completely satisfied with their performance, as Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter, was forced to leave the field midway through the innings.
Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on his left wrist by a short-length delivery from Sri Lankan bowler Lahiru Kumara. However, at the end of the day’s play, India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, provided a major fitness update on Pant’s injury.
Rishabh Pant cleared to play on Day 2 of IND vs SL 2nd Test
Rishabh Pant, who has dealt with several injuries in the past, including during India’s Test series against England with a toe crusher, was forced to leave the field after being visibly uncomfortable following the blow.
He removed his gloves after the ball hit his hand, prompting the medical team and physios to rush onto the field. They attempted to tape his left wrist, but Pant was unable to continue. Following a brief discussion, he walked off the field and was officially retired hurt.
However, during the post-day press conference, India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, provided a brief update, confirming that Pant will bat tomorrow and resume his innings with his score of three runs from 15 balls.
"He will bat tomorrow," said Kotak in the press conference.
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Kotak did not clarify whether Pant would immediately return to the crease after the dismissal of Dhruv Jurel or Saransh Jain. However, it is expected that he will come out to bat once the remaining members of India’s core batting lineup have been dismissed.
How has Rishabh Pant bounced back from injuries earlier?
Interestingly, this will not be the first time Rishabh Pant has bounced back from a major injury scare while playing. Earlier, while taking on England in 2025, he showed immense grit and bravery by returning to bat after suffering a painful toe fracture.
During the July 2025 Test series at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Day 1 of the Test, Pant, aged 27, attempted an aggressive reverse sweep against England pacer Chris Woakes.
After he misjudged the delivery, the ball smashed directly into his right boot at high speed. As the England players appealed for LBW, Pant collapsed onto the pitch in extreme agony.
The medical team subsequently confirmed a metatarsal fracture in his right foot. However, wearing a heavy orthopaedic protective moon boot, Pant made a heroic return to bat on Day 2 of the Test as India's lower order began to collapse.
Hence, a similar recovery and attempt to bat by Rishabh Pant on Day 2 of the India versus Sri Lanka second Test would not be a rare sight, given his history of battling through injuries.
How has Pant fared so far in Sri Lanka Tests 2026?
Pant, meanwhile, appears to have regained some of his Test rhythm. Since the Afghanistan series, where he batted in only one innings and scored 81 runs off 121 balls, Pant has regained his mojo as a solid middle-order batter for the team.
In the warm-up Test against Sri Lanka, he scored 28 runs, while in the first Test, he registered scores of 66 and 39 in the respective innings. This gives him an average of 34.00 and 136 runs at a strike rate of 63.55.
The South Africa series was a nightmare for Pant in 2025, as he averaged just 12.25 across four innings and was almost on the verge of being dropped from the Test side.
However, his resilience has helped him earn his place back in the setup. He is currently injured but has not given up on his chances of helping India secure a strong result in Colombo.
