Why has Rishabh Pant not taken field on Day 3 of SL vs IND Colombo Test? Know here

Rishabh Pant did not take the field on Day 3 of the SL vs IND second Test in Colombo.

India entered Day 3 of the second Test in Colombo in a commanding position after posting a mammoth first-innings total of 503/9 before declaring this innings in the final moments of Day 2. Devdutt Padikkal scored his second century of the series, and Dhruv Jurel produced a superb unbeaten century to take India to the massive total. Captain Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal played supporting roles. 

Rishabh Pant’s presence had been one of the major talking points of this Test match. The wicket-keeper batter sustained a blow to his wrist while facing a delivery from Lahiru Kumara on Day 1 and had subsequently retired hurt, only to make a determined comeback on Day 2. He eventually scored 63 off 89 balls, including two sixes. 

However, when India took the field on Day 2, Pant was noticeably absent from his usual wicket-keeping duties, and centurion Dhruv Jurel stepped up to replace him with the gloves. This absence naturally raised questions about whether the earlier injury had worsened and forced Pant to sit out, or whether the Indian management had made a precautionary decision.

Why is Rishabh Pant not on the field on Day 3 of SL vs IND 2nd Test?

As informed by Dhruv Jurel at the end of Day 2, Rishabh Pant is relieved of wicket-keeping duties not only due to his wrist injury but also due to a subsequent pain he experienced in his right shoulder. 

Pant was hit on the wrist by a shot delivery from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara while attempting to play a pull shot. He initially received treatment and returned only to bat on Day 2 and ended up scoring a half-century. However, Jurel informed that, due to some discomfort in his right shoulder after his batting innings, Pant has decided not to take the field on Day 3. 

The Indian management would also be looking to allow Pant the maximum flexibility, as he remains a crucial part of the Indian batting order. They would also aim to refrain from putting any unnecessary strain on Pant that might worsen his injury. 

With no update on the status of Pant’s injury, it can be stated that India are being a bit precautionary while managing Pant, who has missed several crucial games owing to injuries in the past. With the second innings yet to be played in a rain-hit fixture, Pant might be one of the most valuable batters in the Indian batting lineup. 

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