Rishabh Pant awaits second fitness test; Bumrah departs for New Zealand.
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Second fitness test
Rishabh Pant will have to pass a second fitness test in the next two days to travel to New Zealand, as Jasprit Bumrah has left for the Test tour.
India’s preparation for the Test series against New Zealand has been left to depend on Pant passing his medical tests.
After failing to pass his first fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the wicketkeeper will have to pass his second test. However, Bumrah has completed his rehabilitation.
Pant’s journey
Pant has been out of competitive action since he suffered a side strain in the Irani Cup in early October.
After undergoing structured rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence since October 23, the wicketkeeper has been progressing well. Team management said Pant has resumed his batting and wicketkeeping practice.
However, the BCCI medical team is being cautious and wants to ensure that Pant is fully match fit.
Pant was included in the India A and two-test squad by the selectors. However, it was made clear that Pant would only be included if he passed his medical tests.
As a result, Pant was excluded from the first two matches between India A and New Zealand A. On October 12, the selectors named Kumar Kushagra, an uncapped wicketkeeper, as Pant’s replacement.
Despite Kushagra being named in the squad, management have opted to go with continuity. Dhruv Jurel, India A captain and already named in the main squad, has been keeping wicket in the first leg of the tour.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player in focus | Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper-batter) |
| Injury | Side strain, sustained during the Irani Cup in early October |
| Rehab base | BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru (since October 23) |
| First fitness test | Sunday, not cleared |
| Second fitness test | Within the next two days |
| Target match if cleared | India A vs New Zealand A, third four-day game, Lincoln, November 7 |
| First Test | Wellington, November 19 |
| Current India A keeper | Dhruv Jurel (also India A captain) |
| Cover keeper | Kumar Kushagra (uncapped) |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Rehab completed, departed for New Zealand on Sunday |
Key takeaways
- The India A game in Lincoln is an important game for the team. It acts as a warm-up game where Pant will gain much-needed match practice in overseas conditions. Players who have been cleared will gain match practice with overs and innings.
- Jurel is a great insurance policy for India. He is already named in the Test squad and has done well with the gloves so far. There is no pressure on Pant to return quickly.
- Bumrah’s early return has been a positive. He has not played since the Asian Games final in early October. He has trained and bowled in Ahmedabad and completed his match readiness at the Centre of Excellence. He is expected to play in the Lincoln game, meaning the main pacer will gain match practice and get used to the conditions.
- They are being cautious with the medical side of things. Having the players prove their fitness will show how committed the management are to having players fit for international fixtures.
Having Bumrah and a fully fit Pant gain match practice in the Lincoln game will give the team a strong core going into what looks like a tough series.
What’s next?
- Over the next two days, Pant will undertake his second fitness test at the Centre of Excellence.
- If he passes, he will fly out to New Zealand to join India A.
- Both Pant and Bumrah are set to play in the third four-day match against New Zealand A at Lincoln on the 7th November.
- The first Test will be played on the 19th November in Wellington.
FAQ
Has Rishabh Pant passed his fitness test to go to New Zealand?
No. He failed to pass his initial fitness test on Sunday and will have another in the coming two days.
What is the injury that Pant is recovering from?
Left-sided strain from the Irani Cup in early October.
When is the first Test against New Zealand?
19th November in Wellington.
Who is the current wicketkeeper for the India A team?
Dhruv Jurel, the captain of the India A team and in the main Test squad. Kumar Kushagra is travelling as backup.
Is Jasprit Bumrah fit?
Yes. He has completed his rehab and left for New Zealand on Sunday. He is expected to play in the third India A match in Lincoln.
Why are these matches important for the Test series?
It gives players match practice and gets them used to playing outside of India ahead of the first Test.
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