Rishi was also cautious because Kajal's lightning spells were potent against Sheru, which was another major concern for Rishi. The lightning spells effectively countered Rishi's contract beasts, and the irony was that he was also an excellent counter to Kajal; this made both of them more cautious.
Rishi instructed Sheru to use his 'harden' skill, which provided him with some elemental resistance, before approaching Kajal and attempting to break through her barrier with his 'whirling arrow' skill; he also instructed Sheru to use his movement skill; this made it challenging for Kajal to target them.