Will Rishabh Pant bat again after wrist blow in Colombo Test?

Rishabh Pant was struck on his left wrist by a Lahiru Kumara bouncer during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday, forcing him to retire hurt and leaving his return to the crease uncertain.

Pant had walked in immediately after captain Shubman Gill was dismissed and was expected to keep the innings moving; he had also played a key role in India’s previous 165-run victory in Galle, and Indian fans have been waiting for an update on his condition and India’s return to batting.

The incident occurred in the 58th over, when Kumara pitched the ball short with the intent to surprise Pant; the batter tried to heave the delivery over the square-leg region, misjudged it and was struck on his left wrist. The Indian physio rushed on to the field and the medical team applied an ice pack before assessing the injury.

Pant was taped up on the field but the discomfort continued, prompting him to leave the ground; he officially retired hurt and Ravindra Jadeja took his place on the field. Team staff later saw Pant sitting in the dugout.

Yes, Rishabh Pant can legally resume his innings if he recovers sufficiently, since retiring hurt is distinct from being dismissed and an injured batter may return once fit. Dhruv Jurel’s presence in the side indicates that Jurel will be keeping the wickets and that Pant will not don the gloves in this match if his injury proves serious.

No official update has been provided by the BCCI on Pant’s status, and whether he will come out to bat remains a major question for India. Shubman Gill is now the highest run-scorer for India in WTC history. Ravichandran Ashwin remains India’s highest wicket-taker in WTC history.

Pant’s availability will be watched closely because his inclusion is described as crucial for the long run, with India destined to play a Test series against New Zealand and then Australia in the next six months.