Rishabh Pant expected to bat after retiring hurt on first day

Rishabh Pant is expected to bat in India's first innings, after retiring hurt early in the third session of the first day's play at SSC. This at least was what India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said after play on day one.

Pant had been attempting to pull a 133kph short ball from Lahiru Kumara over deep backward square leg for six, when he was struck on the wrist of his bottom hand (left hand). He didn't look like he was in a lot of pain right away, but he did get medical attention for a few minutes before leaving the field. He only missed three of 15 balls.

He was seen in the dugout and in the dressing room through the rest of the day, and had even padded up for the closing overs of day one, though he was not required to bat on Sunday. Pant was named among the batters Kotak hoped would propel India forward on day two, and he stated that he "should be fine" to continue.

If Pant is experiencing significant discomfort on Monday and beyond, India have two back-up wicketkeepers in the XI. Dhruv Jurel, who normally bats at No. 1, is most likely to take the gloves in Pant's absence. 7. KL Rahul also keeps wicket, but as he opens the batting, India will be reluctant to fatigue him in the keeping role.