Rishabh Pant Faces Second Fitness Test Ahead Of New Zealand Tour

 

Representative photo: A batsman on the field (Hippopx, public domain)

India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant faces a nervous wait before the New Zealand tour after reportedly failing a fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday. Pant will get a second chance within two days to prove his fitness, but his place in the two-Test series remains uncertain.

Pant has been working his way back from a side strain suffered during the Irani Cup in early October. He reported to the Bengaluru facility on 23 October and has since gone through a structured rehabilitation programme, including batting and wicketkeeping drills. However, reports citing ESPNcricinfo say he fell short of the fitness benchmark required to board the flight to New Zealand.

What The Second Test Will Decide

The BCCI medical team is expected to reassess Pant within the next two days. If he clears that test, the plan is for him to link up with the India A squad for their third four-day match against New Zealand A in Lincoln, starting on 7 November. That match would serve as his final preparation before the Test series.

If he does not clear it, his return will be delayed further, and India will have to continue without one of their most explosive batters. Pant had already been ruled out of the opening two four-day tour fixtures, with uncapped Kumar Kushagra brought in as cover.

Why Pant Matters So Much To India

Pant is no ordinary wicketkeeper. His fearless batting has changed matches for India in the past, and his ability to counter-attack against top bowling attacks makes him a central part of the Test side. That is why the team management has kept the door open for him rather than ruling him out completely.

The selectors had named Pant in India's Test squad for New Zealand with a fitness asterisk against his name, underlining both his importance and the doubt over his readiness. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has avoided making any prediction about his availability, leaving the decision to the medical team.

What It Means For The New Zealand Series

The first Test begins in Wellington on 19 November, followed by the second in Christchurch on 27 November. India need a strong result in the series, and the window for Pant to get clearance in time is getting smaller by the day.

There was some good news for the team management on Sunday, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah departing for New Zealand and expected to play in the third four-day match in Lincoln. But the Pant question will dominate the build-up until the second fitness test is done.

Conclusion

Rishabh Pant's comeback has hit another hurdle, but it is not over yet. One more fitness test in the next two days will decide whether he boards the flight to New Zealand or watches the start of the series from home.

Do you think India should wait for a fully fit Rishabh Pant, or should the team move on with the current wicketkeeping options? Share your view in the comments.