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As India walked out to bat on the morning of Day 3 of the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, there was a big surprise behind the stumps. Regular wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was missing as first-innings century-maker Dhruv Jurel stood tall behind the stumps at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium.

Dhruv Jurel Provides Injury Update on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was retained in the dressing room when India declared their first innings at 503/9. Jurel kept wickets for the last hour of Day 2, and the management decided to let the youngster take charge again on the third morning.

Jurel disclosed after Day 2 that Pant was under medical supervision. “He had a hit on his right shoulder, and the physio is keeping an eye on him. I kept today as he had pain in the same shoulder. He should be okay for the next match,” he said of Rishabh Pant.

Dhruv Jurel also credited Pant for their 112-run seventh-wicket partnership. “His attacking stance puts pressure on the bowler and gives the other batsman a scoring chance at the other end,” he added.

Pant has made a notable contribution to India's first innings even with the shoulder injury. In addition to the 112-run stand-in with Jurel, the left-handed batsman helped India post a big total and then drove in a composed unbeaten 115-run knock off 171 balls to record his second Test century.

India in Command Despite Rishabh Pant's Absence

India can afford to keep Pant out for a while longer as they have the advantage of a 373-run lead. Moreover, the Sri Lankan second innings, which was already struggling at 130/4 by the Lunch interval on Day 3, was further hampered by the efforts of Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar.

Meanwhile, with Jurel keeping first-class wickets, the management will be hoping that Pant's recovery is not delayed, as his presence may well be needed in the upcoming matches.