New Delhi: India have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ruled out of the third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A. The decision has raised concerns about his availability for the senior team’s two-match Test series, scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19.

Pant was expected to use the India A matches to regain competitive match fitness after recovering from a side strain sustained during the Irani Cup. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team and team management have decided against rushing his return.

Although the 28-year-old has resumed cricket-related skill training and is reportedly experiencing no pain, he has not yet received clearance to return to competitive cricket. His recovery is being monitored at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

The latest development means Pant will miss all three unofficial Tests on India’s A-team tour of New Zealand. His participation in the senior team’s upcoming Test series will depend on further fitness assessments and medical clearance. India Today+2

Pant misses final India A match in Lincoln

The third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A is scheduled to begin on November 7 in Lincoln. The four-day fixture was expected to provide Pant with an opportunity to spend time in the middle before joining the senior Indian squad.

However, the wicketkeeper-batter has been ruled out as a precautionary measure.

A BCCI source quoted by news agency PTI said Pant had resumed skill training and was not experiencing pain, but there was no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive cricket.

The decision reflects the team’s cautious approach towards his recovery. Pant is an important member of India’s Test batting line-up, particularly in overseas conditions, and the management will be keen to ensure that he is fully fit before bringing him back into the playing XI.

His absence also means he will enter the final stages of preparation for the New Zealand Test series without having played a competitive match on the tour.

How did Rishabh Pant sustain the injury?

Pant suffered a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in Srinagar in October.

The injury reportedly occurred when he attempted a sweep shot during the first innings. He experienced discomfort on his left side and was subsequently assessed by the medical team.

Despite the problem, Pant returned to bat at No. 8 in the second innings. He was also reportedly dealing with flu-like symptoms and did not keep wickets during Jammu and Kashmir’s chase.

The injury affected his preparations for the domestic season and the New Zealand tour. He missed Delhi’s Ranji Trophy opener and was unavailable for the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A.

Pant was initially included in India’s Test plans for the New Zealand tour, subject to fitness clearance. However, the injury prevented him from taking part in the A-team fixtures that were intended to help him regain match rhythm. India Today+1

Kumar Kushagra named as Pant’s replacement

With Pant unavailable for the first two unofficial Tests, the BCCI brought in Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as his replacement in the India A squad.

The 21-year-old provided wicketkeeping cover while Pant continued his rehabilitation.

India A also had Dhruv Jurel as an important option behind the stumps. Jurel’s performances during the series have attracted attention, particularly after he scored a century in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Christchurch.

His contribution has strengthened his case for consideration in the senior team should Pant fail to recover in time.

Jurel offers India a wicketkeeping option who has already gained experience in Test cricket. However, Pant’s attacking batting style and ability to change the course of a match make his potential absence a significant concern for the team management.

Pant’s fitness will determine availability for Wellington Test

India are scheduled to begin their two-match Test series against New Zealand on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second Test will be played in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Pant’s availability for the opening match remains uncertain.

A PTI report published on November 2 said Pant was undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and was yet to clear the mandatory fitness assessment. A second fitness test was expected to provide greater clarity about his return.

According to a report in The Times of India, Pant was expected to undergo a match-simulation fitness test at the Centre of Excellence on November 9. If he clears the assessment and receives medical approval, he could travel directly to New Zealand and join the senior squad in Wellington.

The team management may prefer to give him additional recovery time rather than expose him to another injury setback by rushing him into the final India A fixture. PTIFeed+1

Dhruv Jurel emerges as an important option

Pant’s absence has brought Dhruv Jurel into sharper focus as India consider their wicketkeeping options for the New Zealand Tests.

Jurel has demonstrated his batting ability in the ongoing India A programme. His century in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Christchurch has added weight to his credentials.

The selectors and team management will have to assess whether Pant is fit enough to take part in the opening Test or whether Jurel should be considered for the wicketkeeping role.

Pant’s experience in overseas conditions is a major advantage. He has scored Test centuries in England, Australia and South Africa, making him a valuable part of India’s red-ball plans.

His aggressive approach also provides the team with an attacking option in the middle order. However, the team cannot afford to compromise his recovery, particularly with a demanding Test assignment ahead.

India face selection questions ahead of the Test series

Pant’s absence from all three unofficial Tests leaves India with limited opportunities to assess his match readiness before the Wellington fixture.

While skill training can help a player regain batting and wicketkeeping rhythm, competitive match conditions provide a different level of preparation. The medical team will therefore have to consider his response to training, physical workload and match-simulation exercises before granting clearance.

The upcoming fitness assessment is expected to be an important step in determining his availability.

For India, the priority will be to enter the New Zealand series with a fully fit squad. Pant’s contribution could be significant, but the management will also need to prepare alternatives in case he is unable to play.

The decision to rule him out of the third unofficial Test is therefore a precaution rather than confirmation that he will miss the entire Test series. His recovery over the coming days will determine whether he can join the squad in New Zealand.