Rishabh Pant Faces Second Fitness Test for New Zealand Tour
Rishabh Pant faces a second fitness test after failing the first. Will the wicketkeeper-batter make it to the New Zealand Test series?
The race against time is on for Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. After failing his initial assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru this past Sunday, Pant has been granted a second chance to clear his Rishabh Pant fitness test to secure his spot for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
The Road to Recovery
Pant's journey back to the field has been challenging. The dynamic batter sustained a side strain during the Irani Cup in early October, which sidelined him from active play. To ensure a complete recovery, he has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the CoE since October 23.
There are positive signs, however, as reports indicate that Pant has already resumed both batting and wicketkeeping activities. The BCCI medical team is now expected to conduct another rigorous fitness assessment within the next two days. This evaluation will be the deciding factor in whether he is cleared to travel with the squad.
The New Zealand Roadmap
If Pant receives the green light from the medical team, his return to action will likely happen in stages:
- India A Squad: He is expected to join the India A team for the third four-day match against New Zealand A, starting November 7 in Lincoln. This match is viewed as the final dress rehearsal.
- Senior Test Series: The ultimate goal is the two-Test series against New Zealand, with the first Test scheduled to kick off in Wellington on November 19.
The selectors had already named Pant in both the India A and the senior men's squads, but his participation remained strictly "subject to fitness clearance." Because of his injury, he was forced to miss the first two four-day matches between India A and New Zealand A.
The Backup Plan and Coaching Stance
In Pant's absence during the initial India A matches, the selectors brought in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra. However, Kushagra did not make it into the playing XI, as the captain, Dhruv Jurel, took over the gloves. Jurel is also a member of the senior Test squad, providing India with a viable alternative.
When questioned about Pant's status during a post-match press conference following India's 3-2 T20I series victory, head coach Gautam Gambhir remained cautious. Gambhir stated that he currently has no specific information regarding Pant's availability and promised to share updates once they become available.
Jasprit Bumrah Ready for Action
While the uncertainty surrounds Pant, there is good news regarding India's pace spearhead. Jasprit Bumrah has already departed for New Zealand as of Sunday.
Bumrah, who last appeared in the Asian Games final in early October, spent last week at the CoE completing his return-to-play routine. After training and bowling in his home base of Ahmedabad, the fast bowler is expected to feature in the third four-day match against New Zealand A to regain his match rhythm before the Test series begins.