Rishabh Pant shoulder blow forces Jurel to keep wickets on Day 2 in Colombo Test
Synopsis
Rishabh Pant took two blows in two days — first to his left wrist, then a bouncer to his right shoulder — and was ultimately kept off the field as India bowled on Day 2 in Colombo. Dhruv Jurel, who had just scored an unbeaten 115, then picked up the gloves too. India lead by 495 runs with Sri Lanka on 8/2.
Key Takeaways
Rishabh Pant was struck on his right shoulder by a bouncer from Asitha Fernando in the 94th over on Day 2 at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo .
Pant had earlier suffered a blow to his left wrist from Lahiru Kumara on Day 1 , which had briefly forced him to retire hurt.
Dhruv Jurel kept wickets for India in the final overs of Day 2, with the physio monitoring Pant’s condition.
Jurel scored an unbeaten 115 , helping India post 503/9d — their first-innings total in the second Test.
Sri Lanka closed Day 2 at 8/2 , trailing India by 495 runs ; Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar took the wickets.
Dhruv Jurel confirmed on Monday, 24 August that wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sustained a right shoulder injury during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, forcing Jurel to don the gloves for the closing overs of Day 2. India ended the day firmly in command, having declared at 503/9 before reducing Sri Lanka to 8/2 in three overs.
How Pant Got Hurt
Pant had already been in the wars before the shoulder blow landed. On Day 1, a short ball from Lahiru Kumara struck his left wrist in the 58th over, requiring the physio to apply ice and tape before he walked off unbeaten on 3 runs. He returned and continued to bat.
On Day 2, a bouncer from Asitha Fernando in the 94th over caught Pant on his right shoulder — a blow he could not evade. The physio again came onto the field, applied an ice pack, and Pant soldiered on to post a stroke-filled 63 off 89 balls. However, by the time India came out to bowl in the final session, the shoulder had stiffened enough to keep him off the field entirely.
Jurel Steps Up Behind the Stumps
With Pant unavailable, Jurel — one of three wicketkeepers in India's Playing XI alongside KL Rahul — took over behind the stumps. Speaking at the post-day press conference, Jurel was candid about the situation. “He (Pant) got hurt on his right shoulder. Physio is monitoring him. Today, I kept wickets because he had pain in his right shoulder. Hopefully, he’ll be fine tomorrow,” Jurel said.
The same press conference also served as a platform for Jurel to reflect on his own remarkable contribution: an unbeaten 115 that helped India post a formidable first-innings total.
India in Complete Control
India’s declaration at 503/9 set the tone for what could be a comprehensive victory. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar struck in the dying overs to remove Lahiru Udara and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 8/2 — a deficit of 495 runs — at stumps.
Pant’s fitness will be closely monitored overnight, with the Indian team management expected to assess his condition ahead of Day 3. If he remains unavailable, Jurel or Rahul would continue behind the stumps.
Point of View
But the deeper concern here is the cumulative toll — wrist on Day 1, shoulder on Day 2 — on a keeper-batter who is central to India’s plans in both roles. India’s decision to carry three wicketkeepers in the Playing XI now looks prescient, but it also raises questions about whether Pant was fully match-fit coming in. With a 495-run lead and two days remaining, India can afford to manage him carefully — the real test of his availability comes if the series goes to a decider.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Rishabh Pant sustain in the Colombo Test?
Pant was hit on his right shoulder by a bouncer from Asitha Fernando in the 94th over on Day 2. He had also been struck on his left wrist by Lahiru Kumara on Day 1, which had briefly forced him to retire hurt.
Why did Dhruv Jurel keep wickets on Day 2?
Jurel kept wickets because Pant was unable to field due to pain in his right shoulder. Jurel confirmed this at the post-day press conference, saying the physio was monitoring Pant’s condition.
What is India’s position in the second Test after Day 2?
India declared at 503/9 and then reduced Sri Lanka to 8/2 in three overs before stumps. Sri Lanka trail by 495 runs heading into Day 3.
Who took wickets for India in the final overs of Day 2?
Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar struck in the dying overs, removing Lahiru Udara and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya to leave Sri Lanka at 8/2.
Will Rishabh Pant be fit to keep wickets on Day 3?
His fitness is being monitored by the team physio overnight. Jurel said he hoped Pant would be fine by the next day, but no official confirmation has been given.
