25 August,2026 08:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rishabh Pant (Pic: X)
India bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update on Rishabh Pant, revealing that the wicketkeeper-batter is dealing with significant bruising that has restricted his mobility, though the team remains hopeful he will return for Day 4 of the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Pant remained in the dressing room with a strapped hand for the entirety of the third day, leaving substitute Dhruv Jurel to take over wicketkeeping duties after Pant sustained a hit to his shoulder while batting on Day 2.
Reflecting on Rishabh Pant's physical condition during the post-day press briefing, Morkel said.
"Rishabh, obviously, got hit on the shoulder. I think that was discussed last night, as he is quite badly bruised. I think he was just a little bit restricted in his movement this morning when he tried to warm up," Morkel said in the post-day press conference.
"I think we will keep on monitoring him now overnight and, hopefully, he will be behind the stumps for us tomorrow. I think it is important to have him there; his reading of the game is exceptional," he added.
Morkel also addressed Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the lineup, indicating the wrist-spinner would have been under consideration had illness not sidelined him before the match.
"No, that's (selection) not my call. I think he was asked to fill certain roles for the first Test, which was sort of a tough Test. But for me, I reckon his name would have been in the mix for the virtual selection," he said.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed earlier that a viral fever picked up in Galle ruled Kuldeep out of consideration for the Colombo fixture. Looking ahead to Day 4, Morkel emphasised the importance of securing the final two Sri Lankan wickets quickly to protect India's strong position.
"The key is to find that breakthrough. For us, it is just about keeping on asking questions, keep on rolling your best ball, and bowl well in partnerships. We are quite lucky that we have 500 on the board," he said.
(With inputs from ANI)
