Here’s why Rishabh Pant walked off the field on Day 1 of Colombo Test

Rishabh Pant’s comeback to the crease was abruptly halted on Day 1 of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The wicket‑keeper batsman was struck on the wrist while playing a pull shot against pacer Lahiru Kumara, showing clear signs of pain before retiring from the match.

Rishabh Pant Injured While Playing a Pull Shot

The incident unfolded in the 58th over of India’s innings. Kumara delivered a short ball, and Pant attempted his trademark pull shot, but missed the connection and struck his glove and wrist. He displayed evident discomfort, paused to assess his condition, and after the team’s medical staff applied an ice pack to the area, he decided to leave the field.

Following an extended pause, Pant could not continue and exited the field. Jadeja was drafted in as his replacement, while Pant remained unbeaten at zero. The exact nature and severity of his wrist injury were not immediately apparent, leaving the Indian camp awaiting further assessment before deciding if he could return later in the match.

India Regains Momentum After Early Setbacks

The injury occurred during a phase in which India had rebounded strongly after losing two early wickets in the opening session. Shubman Gill and Devdutt Padikkal forged a solid third‑wicket partnership, adding 120 runs and stabilizing the innings before Gill was dismissed just before the tea break.

Gill played with composure and reached a well‑crafted half‑century. His batting, especially against Sri Lankan spinners, was assured, highlighted by a short‑arm pull against Prabath Jayasuriya that raced to the boundary. His innings concluded when he edged Asitha Fernando to the wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.

Devdutt Padikkal Maintains Strong Batting Form

Meanwhile, Padikkal was unbeaten on 63 at tea, further underlining his importance to India’s batting lineup. The left‑hander began with a tentative start and benefited from an early reprieve when Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped a backward‑point chance off spinner Keshara Nuwantha.

Having capitalized on the missed chance, Padikkal settled in and consistently found the gaps, attacking the bowlers with confidence. His half‑century, achieved from 90 balls, included a powerful pull off Kumara, among several notable strokes. India were 187 for three at tea, with Padikkal anchoring one end. Attention remained on Pant, and the Indian camp anticipated a review of his wrist before deciding if he could resume play later in the match.

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