Rishabh Pant returned to the batting crease to score 63 after retiring hurt during the first innings of India and Sri Lanka’s ongoing Test match in Colombo.

Pant had been forced to retire hurt on three when he was struck on the wrist by a Lahiru Kumara bouncer on the first day. He was treated to ease the pain but continued to be in discomfort. After a brief pause and a checkup, Pant decided to walk back to the pavillion. Ravindra Jadeja replaced him at the crease.

Pant was later pictured padded up after Jadeja was dismissed and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified that he was ready to bat.

He came back out to the crease early on the second day after Saransh Jain fell and stitched a 112-run partnership with fellow wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Notably, Pant allowed a number of short deliveries to strike him rather than attempting to play shots or sway out of the way.

He reached his half-century from 82 deliveries, and eventually finished on 63 from 89 balls with six fours and two sixes.

He eventually holed out against Keshara Nuwantha off the first ball after Lunch on Day 2.