NEW DELHI: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided a positive update on Rishabh Pant after the wicketkeeper-batter was forced to retire hurt on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday.Pant was hit on his left arm while trying to play a short ball from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara during the third session. He was in visible pain and had to leave the field after scoring three runs.However, Kotak said Pant would be ready to bat on the second day.“Rishabh Pant will be fine to bat tomorrow,” Kotak told reporters at the end of the day’s play.
Pant hit by Kumara’s short ball
The incident took place in the 58th over of India’s innings. Kumara bowled a short delivery, and Pant tried to pull the ball behind square. However, he failed to connect properly and the ball struck his left arm.Pant was immediately seen grimacing in pain. The Indian team physiotherapist came onto the field and applied an ice pack to his arm before trying to tape it.However, the tape was soon removed as Pant continued to feel pain.Pant, who scored three runs from 15 balls, eventually walked off the field with the physiotherapist. Ravindra Jadeja came out to replace him and joined Devdutt Padikkal.
Padikkal scores second century
Padikkal played a superb innings of 117 from 168 balls to guide India through a difficult day.It was his second Test century in as many matches. The left-hander had scored 167 in the first Test in Galle, which India won by 165 runs.Padikkal was dropped on 0 and 1 but made Sri Lanka pay for the missed chances. He showed patience on a challenging pitch and batted through the pressure as India lost wickets at regular intervals.Kotak praised Padikkal for making the most of his opportunities.“Padikkal making most of the opportunities he got,” Kotak said.India lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test in Galle.
