Rishabh Pant's Fitness Test Ahead of New Zealand Tour: Latest Updates

Rishabh Pant's Fitness Assessment

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been granted another chance to pass his fitness evaluation before the team's upcoming tour of New Zealand. This follows his unsuccessful attempt at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Sunday, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Pant, who suffered a side strain during the Irani Cup in early October, has been in rehabilitation at the CoE since October 23. He has reportedly started engaging in batting and wicketkeeping drills as part of his recovery process.

The BCCI's medical team is set to conduct another fitness test within the next couple of days to assess Pant's readiness for travel to New Zealand. His participation in the forthcoming matches hinges on this fitness clearance.

If he is deemed fit, Pant is expected to join the India A team for their third four-day match against New Zealand A, which is scheduled to commence in Lincoln on November 7. This match will serve as preparation for the two-Test series against New Zealand, with the first Test kicking off in Wellington on November 19, according to the report.

Pant was included in both the India A and senior men's squads for the two-Test series against New Zealand, contingent on his fitness. However, he has been ruled out of the initial two four-day matches between India A and New Zealand A.

In his absence, uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was added to the India A squad for the first two matches on October 12. However, Kushagra did not play in the XI, with Dhruv Jurel, who also captains the team, taking on wicketkeeping responsibilities. Jurel is also part of India's Test squad.

Earlier, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that he had no updates regarding Rishabh Pant's availability for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. When questioned about Pant's fitness during the post-match press conference after India's 3-2 T20I series victory, Gambhir remarked, "Currently, I have no information, but we will share it once I receive updates."

In other news, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has already departed for New Zealand and is anticipated to participate in the third four-day match against New Zealand A.

Bumrah, who last played in the Asian Games final in early October, was at the CoE last week for necessary preparations as part of his return-to-play regimen. Prior to this, he had been training and bowling in Ahmedabad, where he is based.

The upcoming third four-day match against New Zealand A will be crucial for Bumrah to regain his match fitness ahead of India's Test commitments.