India’s batting coach provides Rishabh Pant’s wrist injury update

Rishabh Pant retired hurt during India’s first innings on Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, on August 23, 2026. A short-pitched delivery from Lahiru Kumara in the 58th over struck Pant on the left wrist, forcing him off the field for assessment. But the bigger question remains whether he will be able to take part in the remainder of the Test match.

The incident unfolded on the very first ball of that over. Pant shaped to play a pull shot, gloved the delivery, and the ball made contact with his wrist bone. He had contributed 3 runs off 15 balls before leaving the field. Ravindra Jadeja came out to join Devdutt Padikkal in the middle following Pant’s departure. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has shared an update on Pant’s condition.

“He should be fine to bat tomorrow,” Kotak said at the press conference after the opening day in Colombo.

How did India’s batting unfold on Day 1?

Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Gill led from the front with a half-century, giving India a solid platform at the top of the order.

Padikkal was the standout contributor, compiling 117 before Keshara Nuwantha bowled him out. Jadeja chipped in with 43 lower down the order, adding useful runs after Pant’s early exit. Asitha Fernando was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers, finishing with three wickets, and he was also involved in a heated exchange with Yashasvi Jaiswal during the day’s play.

Despite the concern over Pant, India’s overall batting effort on Day 1 was productive. The visitors already hold a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, having beaten Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle.

What does Pant’s fitness mean for India’s Test ambitions?

Pant’s role as wicketkeeper-batter makes his availability particularly important for India’s plans in Colombo. Kotak’s post-stumps assessment was encouraging, but the coaching staff have made clear that a full medical review will determine whether he takes the field on Day 2.

The series carries added weight given India’s position in the World Test Championship standings. The team must win six of their remaining eight Tests to secure a berth in the WTC final, which means every session in Colombo carries consequence.

A confirmed fitness update on Pant is expected before play resumes on Day 2. Until the medical team provides a formal clearance, Kotak’s preliminary assessment remains the only available indication of his readiness to bat.

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