Morne Morkel says Rishabh Pant’s participation in Colombo Test uncertain after shoulder bruise

India bowling coach Morne Morkel said on 25 August 2026 in Colombo that Rishabh Pant’s involvement for the remainder of the Colombo Test is uncertain after a shoulder injury. Morkel warned doubts continue to grow over whether Pant will take any further part in the match.

Pant suffered the injury on Day 1 in Colombo and had to retire hurt. He returned to bat with Dhruv Jurel and the pair compiled a 112-run stand on Day 2. That partnership contributed to India reaching 503 runs in the first innings. Pant finished with 63 off 89 balls in what the report described as an attacking knock that put the hosts on the backfoot.

Pant did not wear the gloves for the Sri Lankan innings, with Jurel taking up wicketkeeping duties. During Day 3 Pant was pictured with ice on his shoulder. At the close of Day 2 Jurel said Pant was being monitored.

Morkel echoed that monitoring and said the bruising to Pant’s shoulder is severe. "Rishabh Pant’s shoulder is badly bruised. He will be assessed overnight, we want his experience behind the stumps because he reads the game really well," said Morkel at the press conference after Day 3.

Morkel confirmed the immediate course of action is an overnight assessment, and he said the visitors want Pant back behind the stumps for his game reading. The assessment overnight will determine whether Pant can resume any role in the remainder of the Colombo Test.