Rishabh Pant Expected to Bat After Wrist Injury, Kuldeep Yadav Missed Test Due to Viral Fever

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to return to the crease in India's first innings after retiring hurt with a left-wrist injury on the opening day of the Test at the SSC.

Pant was attempting to pull a 133kph short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara over deep backward square leg when the ball struck the wrist of his bottom hand. Although he did not initially appear to be in significant pain, Pant received medical attention for several minutes before walking off unbeaten on 3 off 15 deliveries.

The wicketkeeper was later seen in the dugout and dressing room and even padded up during the closing stages of the day's play. However, he was not required to return to the crease.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak offered a positive update after play, saying Pant "should be fine" to continue. He also indicated that the 27-year-old remained among the batters India were expecting to rely on to push the innings forward on the second day.

If Pant continues to experience discomfort, India have two alternative wicketkeeping options in the playing XI. Dhruv Jurel, who normally bats at No. 7, is the most likely candidate to take over behind the stumps. KL Rahul can also keep wicket, although India are unlikely to want to add to the workload of their opening batter.

Kuldeep Yadav Missed Colombo Test Due to Viral Fever

Kotak also confirmed that Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for the Colombo Test because he was suffering from viral fever when he left Galle.

Kuldeep's absence had sparked speculation that India had opted to leave him out because the conditions favoured finger spin. India handed a debut to offspin-bowling allrounder Saransh Jain and also stated that Kuldeep could be used as a concussion substitute if required.

Kotak rejected suggestions that the illness was being used as an excuse to leave Kuldeep out of the XI.

"When he left [Galle], he was genuinely having viral [fever]," Kotak said, stressing that there was no reason for India to "fake" an illness.

He added that Kuldeep had recovered reasonably well and looked in good condition when they met in the evening, but the spinner was still unavailable for the Test.

Sri Lanka's Left-Handers Influenced Selection

According to Kotak, Kuldeep's unavailability, combined with Sri Lanka's batting line-up, played a role in India's decision to hand Jain his debut.

Sri Lanka had four left-handers among their top seven, prompting India to consider the advantages of playing an offspinner. The management ultimately opted for three spinners rather than relying on an additional pace option.

"He has recovered reasonably well. He looked good when I met him in the evening and, obviously, he wasn't available for the match," Kotak said.

He added that, with Sri Lanka having four left-handers in their top seven, "probably it makes sense to play an off spinner."

India will now monitor Pant's wrist ahead of the second day's play while hoping their first-choice wicketkeeper is fit enough to resume his innings.