Rishabh Pant has started batting in the nets as he recovers from a strain picked up during the Irani Cup. He is named in India's Test squad for New Zealand, but his fitness is not yet confirmed. The first Test begins on November 19, and the BCCI medical team is monitoring him closely.
India's New Zealand Tour: Where Things Stand
India are on a full tour of New Zealand covering three formats. The five-match T20I series is complete, with India winning the first three matches. The five-match ODI series is under way.
The two-match Test series is the main focus. India need to win it, or at least draw it, to stay in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
India tour of New Zealand: format overview| Format | Matches | Status |
|---|
| T20I | 5 | Completed |
| ODI | 5 | Ongoing |
| Test | 2 | Starts November 19 |
Pant's Fitness Status Before the First Test
Pant released a video on Thursday evening updating his comeback progress. It showed him batting in the nets for the first time since the injury.
He is in the Test squad, but his name carries an asterisk. This indicates he will play only if he is fully fit.
The Irani Cup Injury
Pant led the Rest of India side against Jammu and Kashmir, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, in the Irani Cup. He suffered a left-side strain during the match and did not keep wickets. Sarfaraz Khan took over the captaincy in his absence.
Pant batted in both innings but could not make a significant contribution. Wrist and shoulder concerns have also been mentioned alongside the strain.
Matches Missed During Rehabilitation
Pant has missed both unofficial Test matches between India A and New Zealand A. He is also set to miss the third, as he continues rehab at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
He also did not keep wickets during the Sri Lanka Test after a shoulder injury. Recent injuries have kept him at the CoE for much of the period.
Pant's recent availability timeline| Event | Involvement | Reason |
|---|
| Sri Lanka Test | Did not keep wickets | Shoulder injury |
| Irani Cup | Batted in both innings, did not keep wickets | Left-side strain |
| India A v New Zealand A (unofficial Tests 1 and 2) | Missed | Injury recovery |
| India A v New Zealand A (unofficial Test 3) | Set to miss | Rehab at CoE, Bengaluru |
Pant's Record in SENA Countries
Pant has been India's most productive wicketkeeper-batter in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He has 6 centuries there, the most by any keeper-batter in those conditions.
He has not yet scored a Test century in New Zealand. That makes the series a chance to fill a gap in an otherwise strong overseas record.
Key Pant metrics from the report| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Age | 29 |
| Centuries in SENA countries | 6 (most by a keeper-batter) |
| Centuries in New Zealand | 0 |
| Unofficial Tests missed | 3 (including the one he is set to miss) |
| First Test date | November 19 |
Why the BCCI Is Taking a Cautious Approach
The BCCI medical staff has held Pant out as a precaution. His rehabilitation has not yet met the standard for full competitive clearance.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir said after the fifth T20I that he had no update on Pant's availability. The batting in the nets is the first visible sign of progress.
What It Means for Team Selection
If Pant is unavailable, India will need a replacement wicketkeeper-batter for the opening Test. A fit Pant would add left-handed variety and a strong overseas batting record to the middle order.
His absence would weaken the batting depth in a series with high WTC stakes.
Outlook
Pant's progress from nets to match fitness will decide his selection. The window before November 19 is short. India's management will weigh his record against the risk of a setback.
The medical team's final clearance will be the key indicator. Until then, his participation in the first Test remains doubtful.