Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant missed out on his duties from behind the wicket on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka. After opting to bat first at SSC, Colombo, Shubman Gill and Co. posted a mammoth 503-run target in the opening innings with the loss of nine wickets. Two players including Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel produced impressive hundreds while skipper Gill and Rishabh Pant came up with respective fifties. Apart from them, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja added crucial 45 and 43 runs, respectively to give the side some stability. 

However, as the Indian side got to the field to defend the total, Rishabh Pant didn’t take on his wicketkeeping duties. Instead, Dhruv Jurel, the star of the day, donned the gloves. After the day’s play, Jurel addressed the media and provided clarity on multiple aspects including his celebration, hundred and more. He also talked about Pant’s injury and provided a positive update on the 28-year-old. Notably, earlier on Day 1, Pant was struck on his wrist, compelling him to retire hurt. While he returned to bat on Monday, his absence behind the stumps raised concerns among fans and pundits. 

Dhruv Jurel Shares Update on Rishabh Pant’s Injury

Jurel, who came in as Pant’s replacement, revealed that the latter was hit on right shoulder and is under physio’s observation. The No. 7 batter went on to reveal that Pant was in pain which led to him taking on the duties. However, Jurel was also hopeful of his teammate’s recovery so that he is back on duty Tuesday. "He has a hit on his right shoulder, and the physio is monitoring him closely. I kept today because he had some pain in his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be fit tomorrow," the 24-year-old told the media. 

Speaking of his senior’s influence on his own game, Jurel said, "He is a terrific player. What he has done for India, like in Australia and England... so whenever he is in [the playing XI], I only seek advice because he has played so much cricket and he's got experience. So I always ask him what I should do now, and it helped a lot.” 

Jurel himself had a memorable day as he became the only second Indian batter after Hardik Pandya to score a Test ton at No. 7 or lower in Sri Lanka.