Rishabh Pant has been given another opportunity to prove his fitness after failing his first fitness test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Sunday. The wicketkeeper-batter could join India A for the third four-day match against New Zealand A if he receives medical clearance.
Pant, who sustained a side strain during the Irani Cup in early October, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence since October 23. Although he failed to clear his initial fitness assessment, he has reportedly resumed batting and wicketkeeping activities.
The BCCI medical team is expected to conduct another fitness test within the next two days. If declared fit to travel, Pant will join the India A squad for the third four-day match against New Zealand A, scheduled to begin in Lincoln on November 7.
The match is expected to provide Pant with valuable preparation ahead of India's two-Test series against New Zealand, which begins in Wellington on November 19.
Pant's Availability Remains Subject to Fitness Clearance
The selectors had named Pant in both the India A squad and the senior Indian squad for the upcoming Test series. However, his participation was made conditional on receiving fitness clearance from the medical team.
Following his injury, Pant was ruled out of the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A on October 12.
In his absence, the selectors included uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra in the India A squad for the opening two matches. However, Kushagra did not feature in either game, with India A captain Dhruv Jurel taking responsibility behind the stumps. Jurel is also part of India's Test squad.
Jasprit Bumrah Leaves for New Zealand, Expected to Feature in Third Match
Meanwhile, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly departed for New Zealand and is expected to feature in the third four-day match for India A.
Bumrah has not played since the Asian Games final in early October. Before travelling, he attended the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru last week, where he completed the required return-to-play fitness routine.
The fast bowler had been training and bowling regularly in Ahmedabad, where he is based, before reporting to the CoE.
His participation in the third India A match will be an important step in building match fitness ahead of the upcoming Test series.
With Pant awaiting final medical clearance and Bumrah expected to return to competitive action, the third four-day match against New Zealand A could prove crucial for India's preparations ahead of the Test assignment.
