'Fighting for every moment' — Rishabh Pant shares picture of injured shoulder after India's Sri Lanka Test series win

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shared a picture of his badly bruised shoulder after India’s recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter posted the picture on Instagram on Thursday and wrote, “A little souvenir” over the image.

Pant also shared a message praising India’s fighting spirit during the second Test in Colombo, which ended in a draw. He said the team kept fighting for every run, every wicket and every moment. Pant added that India would have loved to win the series 2-0, but Sri Lanka’s batters made them work hard for the result.

The 28-year-old took a few blows to his shoulder while batting on Day 2 of the Colombo Test. He did not keep wickets on Day 3 after bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that Pant had suffered a bruised shoulder. However, he returned behind the stumps on the fourth day. 

See his post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rishabh Pant (@rishabpant)

Pant's shoulder was "badly bruised" by short-ball barrage in Colombo — here's how bad it looked

Rishabh Pant sustained a badly bruised shoulder during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter took a blow from the short-ball barrage while batting on Day 2, which affected his movement.

Pant did not keep wickets for the entire third day as he was dealing with restricted movement. Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties, while Pant was seen in the dressing room with his hand strapped after the blow to his shoulder.

See also -Watch: 'Body language uthaani padegi' — Rishabh Pant fires up Team India as Sri Lanka fights back on Day 5 of Colombo Test

Despite the injury, Pant played an important role with the bat, scoring a quick 63 in India’s first innings. India eventually secured a 1-0 series win after the second Test ended in a draw, with Sri Lanka putting up a strong fight in their second innings to avoid defeat.

When Pant got injured and what he said about playing through the pain in Sri Lanka

Rishabh Pant had already faced an injury scare during the opening day of the Colombo Test. The left-handed batter was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the wrist, but he returned to the crease and finished with an impressive 63 off 89 balls.

Pant later shared a picture of his bruised shoulder on Instagram and called it a “little souvenir.” He also reflected on India’s effort throughout the Test series and praised the team for continuing to fight despite the challenges.

See also -Watch: Rishabh Pant retired hurt with injured wrist during SL vs IND 2nd Test

“The bumps, the banter, the belief and five days of fighting for every run, every wicket and every moment. We would have loved the 2–0, but the Lankan batters showed incredible fight to make us work for it. Champions,” Pant wrote.

Fans and teammates react to Pant's emotional post-series message

Rishabh Pant’s post-series message received plenty of attention from fans and teammates after India’s 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. Pant’s words about fighting for every run, wicket and moment struck a chord with many supporters.

Fans praised Pant and the Indian team for their fighting spirit throughout the series. Many also wished the wicketkeeper-batter a quick recovery after he shared a picture of his badly bruised shoulder on Instagram. 

Pant also shared several other images from the game, starting the album by stating, "Test cricket sometimes gives you goosebumps and sometimes more..." The pictures include the moment of lifting the trophy, team celebrating a wicket, Pant soaking in the rain and the bruise on his shoulder which forced him to leave the field and Dhruv Jurel taking over the wicket-keeping duties.