Sports/Alive News: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will undergo a second fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after failing his initial assessment on Sunday. The medical team is expected to conduct the test within the next two days. His fitness clearance will determine whether he can travel to New Zealand.
Pant suffered a side strain during the Irani Cup in early October. The injury involved muscles around his abdomen and ribs. He resumed batting and wicketkeeping practice on October 23 as part of his rehabilitation.
Could feature in India-A’s third match
If declared fit, Pant could join India-A for their third four-day match against New Zealand-A, scheduled to begin on November 7 in Lincoln, New Zealand. His availability would also strengthen India’s wicketkeeping options ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, starting November 19.
Jurel handling wicketkeeping duties
Following Pant’s injury, selectors included uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra in the India-A squad. However, Kushagra did not feature in either of the first two matches, with captain Dhruv Jurel taking responsibility behind the stumps.
Jurel is also part of India’s main Test squad, providing the team with an alternative wicketkeeping option if Pant fails to recover in time.
Bumrah joins the squad in New Zealand
Meanwhile, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah left for New Zealand on Sunday and is expected to feature in India-A’s third four-day match. He has also undergone preparations to regain match fitness at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and previously practised in Ahmedabad.
