Former India player-turned-commentator Cheteshwar Pujara feels India might find themselves in a bit of trouble if their wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant doesn’t come out to bat on Day 2 of the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka as well. Pujara also stated that Pant will have to play a key role for the visitors to post a decent first-innings total. Batting first after winning the toss, India reached 300-5 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka as well. Pant had to retire hurt on 3 off 15 balls after being struck on the wrist of his left hand while attempting a pull off Lahiru Kumara as well.

During a discussion on Cricinfo, Pujara said: “If Pant doesn’t walk into bat, then it will be a big issue for the Indian team. It is important that he walks in and bats the way he does. He has the knack of batting with the lower middle order and the tailenders. He can bat in that aggressive manner. So, if Rishabh walks into bat, it will be slightly easier for the Indian team, but if he doesn’t then the Indian team will have to be little cautious.”

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Pujara also feels that Team India could have targeted a first-innings total over 500 had they lost fewer than five wickets on Day 1 in Colombo as well.

“It is important on this pitch India looks at a total. And that total will be somewhere close to 400-450 now. Earlier, I think it was close to 500 or 550. But now, because India have lost five wickets, that total has reduced a little. As a team management and batting unit, you are looking at somewhere close to 400. There are only five wickets left,” Cheteshwar Pujara concluded.