Team India have got a huge boost ahead of the Test series against New Zealand with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant declared fit after recovering from side strain. The 29-year-old is likely to join the Indian squad in New Zealand on November 12 and will bolster batting and wicketkeeping options for coach Ravi Shastri ahead of the two matches.
Pant’s fitness news comes after weeks of rehab at BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He will be needed for India as they prepare for an overseas assignment under captain Shubman Gill.
Rishabh Pant Receives Fitness Clearance
Pant has been declared fit by BCCI Centre of Excellence as per PTI report published on November 10. The wicketkeeper-batter had a side strain while representing Rest of India in Irani Cup match against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar.
The injury kept him out of India A fixtures against New Zealand A. He was initially included in the India A squad on fitness but did not get his Return To Play (RTP) certificate in time.
Pant continued his rehab in Bengaluru and did batting and wicketkeeping sessions as part of his recovery.
A BCCI source told PTI that Pant had been doing match simulation drills and would travel to Wellington after finishing the sessions.
India Receive Major Boost Ahead of New Zealand Tests
Pant’s return will strengthen India’s middle order and give the team an experienced wicketkeeper.
The left-hander has emerged as one of India’s most reliable Test performers (especially in overseas conditions). His aggressive batting style and ability to change the momentum of a match make him an important player in the longer version.
India had named Pant in their 16-member Test squad for New Zealand tour but fitness clearance was awaited. Dhruv Jurel is the other specialist wicketkeeper in the squad.
If Pant is available, then the team management will have an important selection decision to take before the opening Test.
India's Test Series Schedule Against New Zealand
India are scheduled to play two Test matches against New Zealand as part of their multi-format tour.
The first Test will be played in Wellington from November 19 and the second in Christchurch from November 27.
Shubman Gill will captain India while KL Rahul will be vice-captain. Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal are some of the experienced players in the squad.
Pant's Test Record Makes His Return Important
Pant has played 52 Tests for India, scored eight centuries and 21 half-centuries at an average above 43 according to PTI figures.
He has already scored memorable Test centuries in Australia, England and South Africa. Experience of playing overseas conditions could be useful against New Zealand.
His return will provide India with batting depth and an aggressive option in the middle order.
Can Pant Make an Immediate Impact?
Pant has been given fitness clearance but selection in the playing XI will be determined by the team’s assessment and match conditions.
The wicketkeeper-batter’s return is nevertheless good news for Indian cricket fans. New Zealand Test series is on the horizon and India will hope Pant can get back into rhythm quickly to help them out in overseas.
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