Rishabh Pant’s availability for first New Zealand Test remains uncertain

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the third India A red-ball match against New Zealand A as a precaution after suffering a side strain. Although he has resumed skill training, his availability for the opening Test remains uncertain

New Delhi: Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was on Sunday ruled out of the third and final red-ball fixture between India A and New Zealand A, starting on November 7, as a precautionary measure, casting a shadow over his availability for the first Test in Wellington.

The first Test begins on November 19 at the Basin Reserve.

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Pant was earlier ruled out of the first two India A matches in New Zealand after suffering a side strain during the Irani Cup.

“Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A as a precautionary measure.

“Although Pant has resumed skill training and is experiencing no pain, there is still no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive cricket,” a BCCI source said.

His unavailability deprives him of crucial match practice ahead of the two-match Test series. Pant is now a one-format player for India, having lost his place in the white-ball formats.

“At the moment, I have no information. And once I get it, we’ll share it with you,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir said when asked about the left-hander’s availability for the first Test following the fifth T20I in Hamilton.