Wicket keeper batter Rishabh Pant is expected to bat on Day 2 after retiring hurt during the final session of Day 1. Indian cricket team batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided this update. “Rishabh Pant will be fine to bat tomorrow,” Kotak told.

The ball hit Pant’s left wrist while he tried to pull Lahiru Kumara’s delivery during the final session of Day 1. Pant looked uncomfortable and despite treatment from the team physio he was unable to continue batting and left the field. He was batting on 3 from 15 balls.

Also Read:- Padikkal 117 powers India to 300/5 on Day 1 of second Test

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came in after Pant’s injury and scored 43 runs from 83. Unfortunately Asitha Fernando dismissed him in the final over of the day.

India have two backup wicketkeepers in the playing XI if Pant is unable to keep wickets during the match. Dhruv Jurel who bats in the lower order is likely to take the gloves if Pant cannot keep wickets. K L Rahul is another option but India may avoid extra work on him because he is opening the batting.

Saransh Jain inclusion was the only change India made from previous Test, making his debut. He was batting on 4 alongside Dhruv Jurel who was also unbeaten on 7 runs at the close of play. Kuldeep Yadhav missed the test because he had not fully recovered from a viral illness and fever before the match.

An outstanding innings from Devdutt Padikkal helped India reach 300/5 at the end of Day 1 in second Test. He scored his second century of the series while Gill also made useful 50. Padikkal was lucky that as Srilanka fielders dropped him twice early first on 0 and again on 1.

Team India will resume at 300/5 and will aim to reach close to 400 runs. The average first innings score in Colombo is 323 runs.