Rishabh Pant’s Comeback Game Ends Early With 2-Run Dismissal in Colombo

Rishabh Pant had a forgetful outing in India’s warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI at the NCC Grounds in Colombo on Saturday, scoring just two runs.

Pant walked in with his usual attacking approach and tried to take on the bowlers from the beginning. However, his innings ended after only five balls when he chipped the ball straight to the fielder at mid-off.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter had earlier attempted an inside-out shot over the mid-off region. He made good contact, but the ball did not have enough power to clear the fielder. Two balls later, Pant played a similar shot and this time found the mid-off fielder.

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The dismissal brought a quick end to Pant’s first match since India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. In that game, the 28-year-old produced an impressive 81 from 121 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes.

While Pant could not spend much time at the crease in Colombo, India did get a major positive from Devdutt Padikkal. The left-hander scored a composed century, reaching three figures from 121 balls. He hit 14 fours during his innings before retiring after completing his hundred.

Padikkal’s century comes at an important time for India after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the upcoming Test series because of a foot injury. His absence has opened up a place in India’s batting order, with Padikkal now putting himself in contention.

Meanwhile, India continued to make progress in their chase of Sri Lanka XI’s first-innings total of 363. Ravindra Jadeja also completed his half-century, helping India move closer to the hosts’ score.