Rishabh Pant Injury Update: India wicketkeeper to begin light skill training from THIS date
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Rishabh Pant continues his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
India‘s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final will depend on strong performances in the upcoming Test matches, making key players’ fitness crucial. With an important two-match series against New Zealand approaching, any injury concern could complicate India’s preparations.
One such concern is the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who sustained a side strain while representing Rest of India in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.
The setback forced him to take a break from cricket, with the 29-year-old advised to rest for around two weeks before continuing his rehabilitation.
According to a Dainik Jagran report, Pant is making progress in his recovery and is expected to begin light skill training next week.
The left-handed batter subsequently reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), where he has been undergoing recovery and fitness work. His latest progress is an encouraging development for the Indian team, although he still needs to complete the necessary rehabilitation before returning to competitive cricket.
The planned resumption of light skill training is an important step in Pant’s recovery. However, it does not automatically mean that he will be available for India’s upcoming international assignments.
Rishabh Pant’s availability for New Zealand Tests remains uncertain
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Pant’s fitness is crucial for a two-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on November 19 in Wellington. The second Test is scheduled to take place in Christchurch from November 27.
With India’s hopes of reaching the WTC final hanging in the balance, Pant’s injury comes as a major blow to the team’s aspirations.
The wicketkeeper was named in India’s squad for the New Zealand series, subject to fitness clearance. His participation will depend on how he progresses through rehabilitation and whether he can regain the fitness required for Test cricket.
Pant remains an important member of India’s red-ball setup, having established himself as an attacking middle-order batter and a wicketkeeper capable of changing the course of a match. His ability to counter-attack against both pace and spin has made him a valuable option in challenging overseas conditions.
Nevertheless, the team management is unlikely to rush his return before he is fully fit. A side strain can affect a batter’s movement and shot-making, making a gradual return to training essential.
For now, the focus remains on Pant’s recovery and his planned return to light skill work next week. A clearer picture of his availability for the New Zealand Tests should emerge as he progresses through the next stages of rehabilitation.
Until then, his selection should be considered conditional rather than guaranteed; this does not necessarily mean that he will play in the series.
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