Pant will not participate in the third unofficial Test that Indonesia A will play against New Zealand A from November 7 to 10 in Lincoln. He is likely to have a fitness assessment by November 9 or 10. In case he gets the medical green light, he is free to move to New Zealand and join the team prior to the next Test series, which is included in the WTC. The Indian team will commence the two-match Test series on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second game will take place in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
The 29-year-old has not played in any international matches since India’s second Test boy against Sri Lanka in August when he played in Colombo. Later, he led the Rest of India team during the Irani Cup but had to leave the championship due to fit-related issues. Since then, he has been receiving therapy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pant’s participation in the Indian team is vital, taking into account his recent performance in Test cricket. He has scored half-centuries in three previous Test games.
Rishabh Pant Misses Third India A Test, Awaits Fitness Clearance
Pant was equally effective on the trip to England with the Test team last year, scoring 479 runs in four matches. Sources say that he could not take part in any recent fitness evaluations, with no assessments being scheduled in the near future. Should he be picked for the New Zealand Test series, he will probably have to approach the event without having taken part in any practice matches beforehand. Other Indian players are likely to gain match experience before the series.
The BCCI has included Pant in the India A squad, but his participation in the matches will depend on his fitness. He is yet to get medical clearance from the Board. Despite this, there is confidence that Pant could recover soon. He is reportedly hoping to travel to New Zealand around November 10 or 11. However, the final decision will depend on approval from the medical team at the Centre of Excellence.