Bumrah and Pant Set to Enhance India A's Preparations Ahead of New Zealand Series

Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are gearing up to join India A for an unofficial Test against New Zealand A, scheduled from November 7 to 10. Both players are crucial for India's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. Bumrah is currently training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, while Pant is recovering from an injury. Their participation in the third unofficial Test will depend on fitness clearance, making this match a vital opportunity for them to gain match practice before the series. Read on to find out more about their training and recovery updates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 18:01 IST

Bumrah and Pant to Join India A for Upcoming Test

In New Delhi, it has been announced that Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to participate in the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, which is set to take place in Lincoln from November 7 to 10. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also been included in the squad, pending fitness approval from the BCCI medical team. Both athletes are part of the Indian lineup for the forthcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, with the first match scheduled in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence

Currently, Bumrah and Pant are undergoing training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as they gear up for the series against New Zealand. Pant arrived at the CoE on Friday, while Bumrah joined the training camp on Monday. Bumrah's participation at the CoE is part of the essential return-to-play protocol that players must complete before rejoining the national team. He is anticipated to depart for New Zealand on November 1. The last time Bumrah played for India was during the Asian Games in Japan earlier this month, where the team secured a gold medal. He was later rested for the home white-ball series against the West Indies and the T20I and ODI segments of India's current tour in New Zealand.

Recovery and Fitness Updates

On the other hand, Pant is in the recovery phase from a side strain he incurred during the Irani Cup in early October, where he captained the Rest of India to victory over Jammu and Kashmir. This injury has kept him out of Delhi's initial Ranji Trophy match and the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. Although he has started light training at the CoE, including batting drills, he has yet to resume wicketkeeping duties. His availability for the third unofficial Test will hinge on medical clearance.

In Pant's absence, Jharkhand's wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has been appointed as his replacement for the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A. Additionally, Kushagra has been included as a backup for Ishan Kishan in the ongoing T20I series after Kishan sustained a right adductor strain. The upcoming third unofficial Test is expected to serve as a valuable opportunity for both Bumrah and Pant to gain match experience ahead of India's two-Test series against New Zealand later this month.