Rishabh Pant's injury caused concern within the Indian team during the second Test match between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo. Pant did not take to the field for wicket-keeping duties throughout the third day, with Dhruv Jurel taking his place.
The head coach of the Indian team, bowling coach Morne Morkel, provided full details regarding Pant's injury and his potential return. During the second day of play, Pant was hit in the shoulder by a ball. On the third day, he was seen in the dressing room with a bandage on his arm.
Morkel explained that the injury had seriously affected the player's body, causing his movements to become unnatural. After the end of the playing day, at a press conference, Morkel confirmed that Pant had been hit in the shoulder, and this was discussed overnight. He noted that Pant sustained a significant injury, and when he attempted to warm up in the morning, his mobility was restricted.
It was due to these limitations that Pant could not take to the field for wicket-keeping duties on the third day, with Dhruv Jurel assuming the responsibility. Morkel stated that the team would monitor Pant's condition throughout the night, and he expressed hope that Pant could return to the field on the fourth day. He emphasized that Pant's presence is very important for the team, especially his ability to analyze the game as a wicket-keeper, calling his game reading brilliant.
Morkel also touched upon the selection of Kuldeep Yadav. Before the second Test, Kuldeep contracted a viral infection, which prevented him from being included in the squad for the match in Colombo. Morkel stated that the decision on the squad was not in his hands, but in his opinion, if Kuldeep had not fallen ill, his name would certainly have been in the discussion for the squad. Earlier, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also confirmed that Kuldeep was not selected due to the viral infection he was battling in Galle.
Morkel added that the main goal for India on the fourth day is to eliminate the remaining two wickets of Sri Lanka as soon as possible. India has set a target of 500 runs and aims to capitalize on this strong position. He noted that after achieving this goal, the bowlers need to focus on asking the right questions, playing quality cricket, and taking wickets in partnership.
Commenting on Sri Lanka's fight in the final moments, Morkel admitted that India would like to finish the match as soon as possible, but there are such periods in cricket. He mentioned that the ball in Kukabura sometimes becomes slightly softer, which makes it difficult to get extra bounce and pace off the pitch.