'Once I Get It, We'll Share': Gambhir on Rishabh Pant's Fitness Ahead of NZ Tests
India head coach Gautam Gambhir speaks on Rishabh Pant's injury status and India's challenging tour of New Zealand.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has remained tight-lipped regarding the availability of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. Speaking during a post-match press conference in Hamilton, Gambhir admitted he currently lacks specific updates on the player's recovery status, stating, “At the moment I have no information, and once I get it, we'll share it with you.”
The Road to Recovery for Rishabh Pant
The uncertainty stems from an injury Pant sustained while leading the 'Rest of India' side in the Irani Cup. Reports indicate that Pant experienced significant discomfort while attempting a sweep shot during the first innings. While he showed resilience by returning to bat at number eight in the second innings, his struggle didn't end there; he was also battling flu symptoms and was unable to keep wickets during Jammu and Kashmir's chase.
Currently, Pant is under the watchful eye of the BCCI medical team. While there is a glimmer of hope as he has returned to skill training, the team management is cautious and unwilling to risk a premature comeback. His official return-to-play timeline will only be determined after he successfully completes three to four intensive skill sessions.
Gambhir Praises T20I Squad's Grit
Beyond the fitness concerns, Gambhir took the opportunity to laud the T20I squad for clinching the series 3-2 against New Zealand. He described the tour as one of the toughest challenges for the T20 side, primarily due to a severe lack of preparation time.
Gambhir highlighted several factors that made the victory more impressive:
- Lack of Experience: Approximately 70 to 80 percent of the squad members were visiting New Zealand for the very first time.
- Physical Toll: The players had to perform after a grueling 15-hour flight and only a single practice session.
- Environmental Shock: The team faced extreme weather transitions between their point of origin and New Zealand.
“Many people won't talk about it, but it's an achievement worth highlighting because these boys played under intense pressure without adequate preparation,” Gambhir remarked.
An Inexperienced Bowling Attack for ODIs
Looking ahead to the three-match ODI series starting November 4, Gambhir expressed concern over the lack of experience in the fast-bowling department. He noted that while the batting lineup is seasoned, the bowling attack is remarkably raw.
The current fast-bowling setup includes:
- Auqib Nabi: 1 ODI match
- Anshul Kamboj: 1 ODI match
- Gurnoor: 10–12 matches
- Arshdeep Singh: The only bowler with substantial experience.
Gambhir emphasized that overseas success in ODIs and Tests is typically driven by the bowlers. He stressed that if India succeeds in the upcoming series, the credit should rightfully go to the bowling unit for stepping up in unfamiliar conditions.
New Zealand Claims Consolation Win
While India secured the series 3-2, the final T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton belonged to the hosts. New Zealand chased down a target of 192 with ease, winning by seven wickets in just 17.4 overs. The victory was powered by a dominant performance from Tim Seifert, who smashed 93 off 50 balls to ensure New Zealand ended the series on a high note.