Rishabh Pant likely to be ruled out of 1st NZ vs IND Test - Reports
Rishabh Pant sustained injury during Irani Cup 2026.
Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature in India’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand after another setback in his recovery from a side strain. The wicketkeeper-batter has been ruled out of the third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, which begins on November 7 in Lincoln.
India are scheduled to play the first Test against New Zealand from November 19 in Wellington, followed by the second match of the series from November 27. Pant’s absence from the India A fixture has raised further doubts over his availability for the international matches.
The left-handed batter had already missed the first two unofficial Tests after picking up an injury during the Irani Cup. He was expected to get some red-ball practice in the third match before the Test series, but that will not happen now.
Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket remains uncertain
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According to a PTI report, Rishabh Pant has resumed skill training and is currently not experiencing any pain. However, the BCCI has not confirmed a timeline for his return to competitive cricket.
A BCCI source said, “Although Pant has resumed skill training and is experiencing no pain, there is still no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive cricket.”
The BCCI medical team is not looking to rush his comeback. As per reports, Pant will need to complete three to four practice sessions to assess his fitness, batting and wicketkeeping before a decision is made on his return.
According to journalist, Sandipan Banerjee of the Hindu, Pant might miss the series opener of NZ vs IND Test series.
Rishabh Pant suffered the side strain while playing for Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup. The injury forced him to miss the first two India A matches in New Zealand as well.
If Pant misses the first Test, Dhruv Jurel is likely to take over the wicketkeeping duties. Jurel has been in good form for India A and scored a century in the first innings of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A.
Jurel’s recent performances have improved his chances of playing in the first Test. If he is picked as the wicketkeeper, India could also include Nitish Kumar Reddy as an all-rounder.
Who could replace Rishabh Pant in India’s playing XI?
Dhruv Jurel is likely to take over the wicketkeeping duties if Pant misses the first Test.
When will the India vs New Zealand Test series begin?
The first Test will begin on November 19, 2026, in Wellington.
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