Rishabh Pant is expected to miss the third and final four-day unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A at Lincoln next Saturday. Reports say Pant did not appear in the last two unofficial matches and will not be part of the final game either. The left-hander got a side strain injury during his practice in Bengaluru at the Centre of Excellence and is recovering.
Doubt Over Upcoming New Zealand Test Series
With Rishabh Pant now sidelined, questions are being asked regarding his fitness for the upcoming two-match India vs. New Zealand Tests.
The two Test matches will start in Wellington with the first one beginning on 19 November. His inclusion in the Test series is thus looking up in the balance right now with Pant still in the recovery phase and in the absence of that key player on this squad as well.
The 29 year-old was last in action for India in a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year in August.
Bumrah and Jadeja Set for India A Appearance
Meanwhile, India look set to get boost before the last unofficial Test with pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja likely to be at the center of the XI.
They are viewed playing with a view to preparation for next week’s Test series with New Zealand. Tilak Varma took on the role of vice-captain of the Indian team as Pant stepped down from the position for the T20Is.
In the first two four-day unofficial Tests between India and New Zealand, both sides had drawn what they called a tight one so need to win in the last Test at Lincoln. Pant will now be rigorously monitored as the senior Indian team gears up for their next Test task in New Zealand.