Why Rishabh Pant is Not Wicketkeeping in IND vs SL Warm Up Test?

The warm-up match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI is being played at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground. The Sri Lankan team put India on the backfoot on a hot and humid day in Colombo.

As expected, Rishabh Pant started the day as India wicketkeeper in IND vs SL Warm up match and was seen constantly chirping behind the wickets. However, after the lunch break, Pant left the field only to see Dhruv Jurel take the gloves.

Why Rishabh Pant is Not Wicketkeeping In IND vs SL Warm Up Test?

Rishabh Pant left the field to rest in the hot and humid conditions at Colombo. The conditions were tough for the fielding team and Pant was taken out just as a precautionary measure. Earlier, India suffered an injury scare and skipper Shubman Gill was kept out of the field for the first day of the warm-up match. Gill suffered a blow to his thumb, leading speculations about his participation in the 1st Test.
Dhruv Jurel replaced Pant behind the wickets after the latter went off the field. Since this is a practice match, the Indian team management is trying to give chances to all the players in the squad.

The absence of Rishabh Pant in IND vs SL warm up behind the wickets does not seem to be a concern for India at the moment. He is likely to come out to bat during India's innings.

India Wicketkeepers For Sri Lanka Test Series

India have picked two wicketkeepers in the squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant is the first-choice wicketkeeper while Jurel is considered as his back-up. Both are amongst the best wicketkeepers in the world and are likely to be in the playing 11 for the first match at Galle.

Rishabh Pant will play a key role with the bat during this series. The left-hander will bat at No. 5, a spot he has made his own. Pant has emerged to become one of the best Test batsmen over the last few years. He was also India's vice-captain but was removed from the role to allow him prosper as a batter.