Rishabh Pant to Miss Third Unofficial Test Against New Zealand A

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is sidelined for the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A as he recovers from a side strain. His absence raises questions about his availability for the upcoming Test series starting November 19. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are set to participate in the match, with Tilak Varma stepping in for Pant. Dhruv Jurel will captain the side, and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna aims to regain fitness. Mohammed Siraj has rejoined the ODI squad after missing the series opener. Stay tuned for more updates on Pant's recovery and the team's preparations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 6, 2026, 01:50 IST

Rishabh Pant's Recovery Delays Participation

Lincoln [New Zealand], November 6: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will not participate in the upcoming third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, which is set to commence in Lincoln on Saturday. His absence is due to ongoing recovery from a side strain, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Pant's unavailability raises concerns regarding his readiness for the two-Test series against New Zealand, starting on November 19. Currently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence located in Bengaluru.

In the meantime, Indian Test specialists, including pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravindra Jadeja, are anticipated to play in the third match for India A as they prepare for the Test series. Additionally, T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has been called up to replace Pant in the squad.

Dhruv Jurel will lead the India A team, which also features seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was part of the ODI squad until recently.

Should Pant not recover in time for the Test series, Jurel is expected to take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities.

Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is also likely to participate in the India A match as he aims to regain his match fitness after three weeks of rehabilitation for a hamstring strain. Although he has been cleared to play in all formats, he was not included in the ODI squad as the management focuses on keeping him fit for the Tests.

As per reports, Mohammed Siraj has joined India's ODI squad in Wellington ahead of Saturday's match after missing the series opener in Auckland. Siraj was rested following his performance in the drawn second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where he took four wickets for 118 runs in his only innings.