Rishabh Pant fails fitness test, set to undergo second test before leaving for New Zealand
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The two-match Test series is scheduled to begin on November 19, 2026.
The Indian men’s cricket team are currently touring New Zealand. After T20Is, the team will play five ODIs and two Tests. The two-match Test series is set to begin on November 19.
However, India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter and a key member of the batting lineup, Rishabh Pant, has failed to clear the fitness test conducted on Sunday at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He has been given another opportunity to clear the fitness test before boarding the flight to New Zealand.
The medical staff is likely to arrange another fitness test within the next two days. If Pant clears his fitness test, he will be allowed to travel to New Zealand.
Pant is also expected to join the India A squad for the third four-day match against New Zealand A, which begins in Lincoln on November 7, as preparation for the upcoming Test series.
How did Rishabh Pant get injured?
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Rishabh suffered a side strain while playing for the Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in early October and has been at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) since October 23. He reportedly felt discomfort while attempting a sweep shot in the first innings of the match.
The selectors had picked uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra for the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A after Pant was ruled out on October 12. However, Kushagra did not feature in either match, with captain Dhruv Jurel taking over the wicketkeeping duties.
As India are currently fourth in the World Test Championship points table, they need to win almost all their remaining matches to break into the top two and qualify for the final.
However, they will be facing tough opponents like New Zealand and Australia. To win most of these matches, they need to field their strongest playing XI.
Rishabh has been one of India’s top performers over the past decade, and he has also proven his capabilities in overseas conditions, winning matches single-handedly.
His presence could prove vital, and Indian fans will hope to see Pant regain full fitness ahead of the New Zealand Test series.
When will NZ vs IND Test series begin?
The two-match Test series is scheduled to begin on November 19, 2026, with the first Test taking place in Wellington.
How did Rishabh Pant get injured?
Rishabh suffered a left-side strain while captaining the Rest of India team against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in early October 2026.
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