Rishabh Pant likely to skip India 'A' matches but still in line for New Zealand Test series

Rishabh Pant will miss the third unofficial Test between India 'A' and New Zealand 'A' in Lincoln, which runs from November 7 to 10. The wicketkeeper-batter is set to undergo a medical assessment around November 9 and 10. If he gets clearance from the medical team at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he will fly out to join the main Indian squad for the upcoming Test series.

Background

Pant has been recovering at the Centre of Excellence from a side strain. He has not played international cricket since the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in late August. Fitness troubles also forced him to leave the Irani Cup early after he captained the Rest of India side. Despite this lack of recent match practice, he remains a key player for India's red-ball team. He scored three half-centuries in his last three Tests and hit 479 runs across four matches during India's tour of England last year.

Schedule

The first Test between India and New Zealand starts on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second Test takes place in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. Pant will travel to New Zealand without playing any warm-up games, unlike most of his teammates who will get match time beforehand. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is set to join the India 'A' squad in time for the third four-day game starting November 7.

Context

The World Test Championship cycle makes every match crucial for national teams aiming for the final. Players returning from injuries often have to balance the need for match practice with the urgency of international schedules.