Day 3 of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo ended prematurely after rain interrupted play late in the day. Sri Lanka were left needing 238 more runs with only two wickets remaining, keeping India firmly in control of the contest. Following the early finish, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an important update on Rishabh Pant, who has not kept wickets since Day 2. Dhruv Jurel has taken over the wicketkeeping duties in Pant’s absence.

Pant did bat during the second day’s play, scoring a half-century after retiring hurt on the opening day. Jurel had earlier explained that Pant was not keeping because of an issue with his shoulder.

Morkel offered further details during his interaction with the media after the third day’s play. According to the India bowling coach, Pant’s right shoulder has suffered significant bruising, restricting his movement during the warm-up ahead of Day 3.

“His right shoulder is badly bruised. When he tried warm up this morning, his movement was restricted. They’ll be monitoring him tonight. Hopefully he’ll be behind the stumps tomorrow,” Morne Morkel said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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The update will come as a relief to India, with Morkel indicating that Pant is expected to be available for wicketkeeping on Day 4, subject to how his shoulder responds overnight.

Morkel also praised Prasidh Krishna for his impressive bowling performance in the Test. The Karnataka pacer has been among India’s most effective bowlers, claiming three wickets in the first innings to share the top spot with Manav Suthar. Krishna dismissed Sri Lanka’s openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara before removing Kamindu Mendis, playing a crucial role in keeping the hosts under pressure. His disciplined bowling has been particularly effective since Day 2.

Morne Morkel also backed Krishna after the pacer faced criticism over his recent performances. The former African fast bowler revealed that the Indian team management continued to support Krishna during his difficult period.

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According to Morne Morkel, providing Krishna with clarity about his role during India’s England tour helped the pacer understand what was expected from him. That clarity, he suggested, allowed Krishna to bowl fuller and maintain greater consistency. With Sri Lanka requiring 238 runs and India just two wickets away from victory, the visitors will hope their bowlers can finish the job on Day 4 and complete a 2-0 series sweep.