Rishabh Pant to Miss India A vs New Zealand A Match Due to Injury

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is sidelined for the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A due to a side strain, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming Test series. With key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja participating in the match, the team is making necessary adjustments. Tilak Varma joins as Pant's replacement, while Dhruv Jurel continues as captain. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna aims to regain fitness after injury, and Mohammed Siraj returns to the ODI squad. Read on for more details about the team's preparations and player updates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 6, 2026, 01:49 IST

Rishabh Pant's Injury Update

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 a side strain, and he is currently focused on recovery at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This situation raises concerns about his readiness for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting on November 19.

Team Adjustments and Preparations

In the meantime, India's Test specialists, including pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravindra Jadeja, are anticipated to play in the third match as they prepare for the Test series. T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has been added to the India A squad in Lincoln to fill Pant's spot. Dhruv Jurel will continue to lead the India A team, which also features seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was part of the ODI squad until recently. If Pant is unable to recover in time for the Test series, Jurel is expected to take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities.

Prasidh Krishna's Return

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 injury. Although he has been cleared to play in all formats, he was not included in the ODI squad as the management prioritizes his fitness for the Tests. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj has rejoined 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 35 overs.