IND vs SL: Why is Rishabh Pant not Keeping Wickets for India? Dhruv Jurel gives Update

As India play Sri Lanka in Colombo, there was a noticeable absence as the team took the field on the morning of Day 3 in the second Test.

Regular wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was missing from the action at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium, with first-innings centurion Dhruv Jurel donning the gloves instead.

Why is Rishabh Pant not keeping for India?

The reason for Pant's absence is a precautionary measure stemming from an injury he sustained earlier in the match. During the opening day of the Test, the left-handed batter took a sharp hit to his right shoulder from a short-pitched delivery, which initially forced him to retire hurt.

While the 26-year-old returned to the crease on Day 2, scoring a quick 63 runs off 89 balls, the pain flared up later in the day. As a result, Pant stayed in the dressing room when India declared their first innings at a commanding 503 for 9. Jurel stepped in to handle the wicketkeeping duties for the brief passage of play before stumps on the second evening, and the team management opted to extend that arrangement into Day 3.

Jurel Provides a Medical Update

Addressing the media after the close of play on Day 2, Jurel confirmed the nature of the injury and stated that the medical staff is keeping a close eye on the senior wicketkeeper.

"He has a hit on his right shoulder, and the physio is monitoring him closely," Jurel told reporters. "I kept today because he had some pain in his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be fit tomorrow."

Jurel also acknowledged Pant's guidance during their time together at the crease, noting that the senior pro's aggressive shot-making forces bowlers into making mistakes, which allowed Jurel to easily pick the gaps and score runs at the other end.

India Holds the Advantage

Even with the injury, Pant made a massive impact on the match. He forged a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Jurel, completely deflating the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Jurel anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 115 off 171 deliveries to register his second Test century.

Given the current match situation, the Indian team management has the luxury of giving Pant extra time to recover. Holding a massive 373-run lead, India had already reduced the hosts to 130 for 4 by the Lunch Session of Day 3, thanks to strikes from Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar.