Rishabh Pant will undergo a second fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after failing his initial assessment on Sunday. The wicketkeeper-batter has been given another opportunity to prove his fitness before receiving clearance to travel to New Zealand for the upcoming series.
Team India will take on New Zealand in the first Test of the series at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, starting on November 19. India A is currently playing a three-match unofficial four-day series against New Zealand A as part of its preparations, with the final fixture set to begin in Lincoln on November 7.
Rishabh Pant Gets Second Chance to Prove Fitness Ahead of New Zealand Tests
Rishabh Pant suffered a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar in early October. He scored 10 and 8 in the 167-run victory but did not take the field on the final day after developing a fever.
He subsequently missed Delhi’s opening Ranji Trophy fixture of the 2026-27 season. The wicketkeeper has been at the CoE since October 23 and has reportedly resumed batting and wicketkeeping drills.
Accoring to Cricinfo, The BCCI medical staff are expected to arrange another fitness test within the next two days to assess his recovery and decide whether he can travel to New Zealand. The selectors included him in both India’s 16-member Test squad and the India A squad.
However, his availability was made subject to medical clearance. He missed the first two unofficial four-day matches against New Zealand A while continuing his rehabilitation. If he passes the second assessment, he will join India A for the third match in Lincoln as preparation for the senior Test series.
Jasprit Bumrah Set to Feature in India A’s Third Match Against New Zealand A
After Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the first two fixtures on October 12, the selectors added uncapped wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra to the India A squad. However, Kushagra did not feature in either match, with captain Dhruv Jurel taking over wicketkeeping duties.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is set to leave for New Zealand on Sunday and is expected to play the third four-day match for India A. The fast bowler last played in the Asian Games final in early October and completed his ready-for-play routine at the CoE last week before travelling.
Bumrah had previously trained and bowled in Ahmedabad, where he is based, before reporting to the CoE. His participation in the third match will give him an opportunity to return to competitive cricket ahead of the upcoming international assignments.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury Concerns Ahead of New Zealand Test Series
Rishabh Pant has dealt with several injuries since returning to competitive cricket following a lengthy layoff after his car accident. In July 2025, he fractured a toe after inside-edging a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes onto his right foot during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester.
Rishabh Pant retired hurt on 37 and was taken off the field on a buggy. The batter returned to the crease despite considerable discomfort but missed the series finale at The Oval. He also missed the subsequent Test series against the West Indies and the white-ball leg of India’s Australia tour while recovering.
Before his latest side strain, Rishabh Pant had also suffered injuries while facing fast bowlers. During an IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a bouncer from Josh Hazlewood struck him, forcing him to retire hurt.
On India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, a Lahiru Kumara bouncer hit Pant on his left forearm as he attempted a pull shot. He retired hurt on three but returned the following morning to score a crucial 63.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
