IND vs SL: Massive Injury Scare For India As Rishabh Pant Leaves Field While Batting; Will He Bat Again? What Rules Say

India suffered a major injury scare during the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday after wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field while batting.

Pant was struck on the wrist while attempting a pull shot against Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara.

The India star immediately appeared to be in considerable pain, prompting the physio to rush onto the field.

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Pant Hit On Wrist While Attempting Pull Shot

The incident occurred when Kumara bowled a short delivery to Pant. The India batter went for the pull but got a glove on the ball, which dribbled towards the wicketkeeper down the leg side.

The ball appeared to strike Pant on the wrist bone. He immediately looked in discomfort and called for medical attention.

The physio arrived with an ice pack and applied it to Pant's wrist in an attempt to prevent swelling. After a lengthy delay, the medical team also briefly attempted to tape the wrist, but the tape was removed almost immediately.

With Pant unable to continue, he eventually walked off the field. Pant retired hurt. Ravindra Jadeja came out to bat in his place.

Will Rishabh Pant Bat Again?

The good news for India is that Pant's departure was recorded as retired hurt, rather than retired out.

Under the Laws of Cricket, a batter who retires because of illness, injury or another unavoidable cause can resume their innings later, provided they are able to continue. The batter can return when a wicket falls or another batter retires, subject to the playing conditions.

Therefore, Pant can bat again in India's innings if he recovers sufficiently and is medically cleared to continue.

India Face Anxious Wait Over Pant's Condition

Pant's injury will be a major concern for India, particularly given his importance with both bat and gloves.

The 28-year-old has already played a crucial role in India's Test campaign and remains one of the team's most aggressive middle-order batters. India are also looking to complete a 2-0 series sweep after winning the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.

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There was a previous instance in the series when KL Rahul retired hurt after scoring 77 in the first Test before returning to the crease later in the innings.

Pant's situation will now be closely monitored by the Indian medical team. If his wrist pain and swelling subside, he could potentially return to the crease later in the innings.

Following Pant's departure, Ravindra Jadeja walked out to join the Indian batting effort.

The injury came at an important stage of India's innings, with the visitors looking to build a substantial first-innings total after Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first.

India entered the second Test with a 1-0 lead in the series after their convincing victory in Galle.