Colombo, August 26: India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, is hopeful that wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will recover from his shoulder injury in time for the fourth day of the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka. Currently, the Sri Lankan team is trailing by 39 runs, with only two wickets remaining to avoid the follow-on.
While the Indian team aims to force Sri Lanka into a follow-on, the inclement weather in Colombo is raising concerns among fans. Rain has interrupted play on the first three days, and there are predictions of more rain on the fourth day.
Rishabh Pant sustained a wrist injury on the first day and was forced to retire hurt. He returned to the crease in the first session of the following day but was injured again after being struck on the shoulder. Dhruv Jurel stepped in to take over the wicketkeeping duties.
Morkel stated that the team will assess Pant’s condition overnight before making a decision regarding his availability behind the stumps. He mentioned, “Clearly, Rishabh has a shoulder injury. We discussed it last night. There has been significant damage. This morning, when he attempted to warm up, he faced some movement issues. We will keep an eye on him overnight, and hopefully, he will be able to keep wickets for us tomorrow. His presence is essential; his understanding of the game is exceptional.”
Morkel emphasized that the immediate priority for India is to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings quickly.
He added, “Our first priority will be to take those two wickets as soon as possible. I know it sounds cliché, but considering the weather and the time lost in putting on and taking off covers, we want Sri Lanka to face as many overs as possible. We hope to take those final two wickets and then show courage by calling them back to bat and bowling well.”
However, the prospect of enforcing the follow-on contradicts India’s recent approach, where they have preferred to bat again when given the chance. The last time Shubman Gill enforced a follow-on against the West Indies in Delhi, India had to bowl for 118.5 overs on a deteriorating pitch and then chase down 121 runs on the fifth day. The weather in Colombo makes such a decision less appealing, given the frequent interruptions.
He remarked, “Conditions are tough; it’s very hot. The ball softens quickly. When the boys came off the field this evening, I told them that this is a true day of Test cricket. We will learn this way. We will move forward. We always talk about bowling in partnerships and building pressure, and that’s how it develops—on days like today, when batting partnerships are in play. You can break that. The key is how to capitalize on that breakthrough and how well you start your next phase.”
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