Rishabh Pant Injury Update: India Wicketkeeper to Undergo Second Fitness Test Ahead of New Zealand Tour - Report

Bengaluru, Nov 3: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to undergo a second fitness assessment after failing to clear his first test at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, with his availability for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand still uncertain.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI medical team is expected to conduct another assessment within the next two days to determine whether Pant is fit to travel to New Zealand.

Pant has been recovering from a side strain sustained during the Irani Cup in early October. The left-handed batter has been undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE since October 23 and has reportedly resumed batting and wicketkeeping activities. However, he has not yet received medical clearance to return to competitive cricket.

The second assessment will be crucial in determining whether Pant can join the India A squad for the third four-day match against New Zealand A, scheduled to begin in Lincoln on November 7.

The Delhi cricketer was named in both the India A squad for the unofficial Tests and India's senior squad for the two-Test series, subject to fitness clearance. However, his injury ruled him out of the first two India A matches. Kumar Kushagra was brought in as cover, while Dhruv Jurel has been handling wicketkeeping duties.

India's two-Test series against New Zealand begins in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27.

Dhruv Jurel in contention if Pant misses out

Pant's fitness concerns could leave India with a selection decision ahead of the New Zealand tour. Dhruv Jurel, who is part of the senior squad, has an opportunity to strengthen his case after keeping wickets for India A in Pant's absence.

While Pant remains an important part of India's Test plans, the team management is unlikely to rush him back before he is fully fit.

Meanwhile, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has travelled to New Zealand and is expected to feature in the third India A fixture. His participation could provide valuable match practice ahead of the senior Test series.

With the tour approaching, Pant's second fitness assessment will be an important development for India's preparations.