Rishabh Pant is getting back into the swing of things following a period of uncertainty about his fitness. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman embarked on his journey to New Zealand early Thursday morning. He is expected to join the Indian Test team in Wellington by Friday, ahead of their anticipated series that kicks off on 19 November. Pant received the all-clear from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team after recovering from a side strain.
Pant’s rehabilitation took place at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting from 23 October. His injury occurred during the Irani Cup, held from 1 to 4 October in Srinagar, where he was the captain of the Rest of India squad. Although the injury temporarily disrupted his plans, he was part of the Indian Test squad selected to tour New Zealand. Pant was also named in the India A squad for a series of three four-day matches against New Zealand A, leading up to the Test series. However, his involvement was reliant on passing a fitness assessment.
Initially, Pant missed the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A. He was expected to participate in the third fixture from 7 to 10 November, but his recovery required more time. The BCCI medical team opted for an extended rehabilitation period to thoroughly evaluate his fitness.
In Wellington, Pant will reunite with the Test squad, joining captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Anshul Kamboj, who switched focus from ODIs to prepare for the Test series. Even with Pant eager to play in the opening Test on 19 November, his late arrival presents the team management with a selection decision. They must choose between fielding both Pant and Dhruv Jurel, who performed commendably against New Zealand A, or playing just one wicketkeeper alongside batsmen B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. Jurel was notable with a century and a half-century, while Sai Sudharsan and Padikkal also delivered impressive performances.
This series is crucial for India as they aim for the World Test Championship final. India currently holds the fourth spot in the standings, trailing behind New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
