India’s Wicketkeeping Woes: Morne Morkel Provides Update on Rishabh Pant’s Injury

COLOMBO – Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has shed light on why star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was absent from behind the stumps during Day 3 of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Pant, who had already displayed immense grit by returning to the crease on Day 2 to score a fluent 63 off 89 balls, remained sidelined from keeping duties as a precautionary measure. The dynamic left-hander had initially suffered a wrist injury on the opening day of the match, forcing him to retire hurt before his defiant return.

“Badly Bruised”

Addressing the media at the post-day press conference, Morkel confirmed that the team is managing the injury with caution. “Rishabh Pant’s shoulder is badly bruised,” Morkel explained. “He will be assessed overnight. We want his experience behind the stumps because he reads the game really well, so we are being careful.”

In his absence, Dhruv Jurel—who impressed earlier in the match with a brilliant century—continued his duties as the primary wicketkeeper, stepping up to handle the rigors of the position as India looked to consolidate their dominant position.

Morkel Lauds Prasidh and Siraj

The third day saw India’s bowling unit laboring on a challenging surface as Sri Lanka reached 265 for eight before rain and fading light brought an early end to play. Despite the resistance from the hosts, Morkel was full of praise for the character displayed by his pace battery, particularly Prasidh Krishna.

“It shows the character of Prasidh Krishna… a guy who had the media and commentators on his back,” Morkel noted. “As a team and management, we knew about the potential; for him, it was about silencing those voices. He is a massive student of the game who does his homework. He has the potential and talent to play all formats for a very long time.”

The coach also lauded the relentless Mohammed Siraj, who continued to exert pressure throughout the day. “Siraj is a guy you want in your team. He can bowl all day from one end with a sore body. Even today, in flat conditions, he kept running in. We are quite lucky to have him.”

Eyeing the Follow-On

While Sri Lanka’s lower order showed resilience, led by Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 85, India remains firmly in control. The hosts still require 38 more runs to avoid the follow-on, trailing India’s massive first-innings total of 503 for nine.

Looking ahead to Day 4, Morkel emphasized the importance of staying patient and clinical. “Test cricket is a grind. It’s about bowling in partnerships and applying pressure. Our first target is the follow-on—we want to get those remaining wickets quickly, remain brave, and put them back in to bat.”

As the team awaits further assessments on Pant, the focus for India remains on wrapping up the Sri Lankan innings efficiently and pressing home their advantage in what has been a physically demanding Test match.