Cricket / Rishabh Pant Faces Final Fitness Hurdle ahead of New Zealand Tests; Jasprit Bumrah Set for Return

New Delhi, Nov 2: With the New Zealand Test series fast approaching, Rishabh Pant faces a crucial fitness hurdle that could determine both his immediate return to competitive cricket and his availability for India's important overseas assignment.

Pant, who sustained a side strain while captaining the Rest of India in the Irani Cup clash against Jammu and Kashmir, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for around 10 days. The left-hander reportedly failed a fitness test conducted on Sunday, delaying his return to competitive cricket.

According to a report in Cricinfo, Pant will undergo another fitness evaluation in two days. A successful outcome would clear him to travel to New Zealand and link up with the India A squad for the third and final multi-day fixture against New Zealand A, beginning on November 7 in Lincoln.

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The 29-year-old was originally named in India A's squad for all three four-day matches, which are serving as preparation for the senior side's Test assignment in New Zealand. However, his participation was made contingent on receiving fitness clearance.

Owing to his recovery programme, Pant missed the opening two games, with Kumar Kushagra drafted in as his replacement. India A skipper Dhruv Jurel took up wicketkeeping duties in both matches, while Kushagra remained on the sidelines.

Pant has also been selected in India's squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on November 19. His availability for the marquee assignment, however, continues to depend on his ability to pass fitness requirements.

Meanwhile, India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has already departed for New Zealand and is expected to feature in the third India A-New Zealand A multi-day match as part of his preparations for the Test series.

Bumrah was rested from India's recent white-ball assignments against the West Indies at home and New Zealand away, with the BCCI carefully managing his workload ahead of the important Test campaign. The board views the New Zealand series as a significant step in India's pursuit of a place in the World Test Championship final.

The star fast bowler last appeared in international cricket during the Asian Games final and had been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before receiving clearance to return to competitive action.

(IANS)