Pant Nears Fitness Clearance Ahead of New Zealand Trip

Fitness Check Underway

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is close to a fitness green light that would clear his path to New Zealand. Pant is currently working through a two-day match-simulation programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, and a source familiar with the process said he is in good physical shape.

The source told PTI that a second simulation round is set for Wednesday. If both sessions go smoothly, Pant is expected to fly to Wellington on November 12, with his travel plans hinging on the outcome.

Injury and Missing Certificate

The concern stems from a side strain Pant picked up while turning out for Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He had been named in the India A squad for an unofficial Test, but that selection was subject to his fitness. Without the Return To Play certificate from the Centre of Excellence, he could not be cleared for the match.

Experience in New Zealand

Pant brings valuable knowledge of conditions in New Zealand, having toured the country with the national side in 2020. Among the current group he is one of the more seasoned figures, with 52 Test appearances behind him.

The left-hander has scored eight Test hundreds and 21 fifties, averaging above 43. His Test centuries include efforts in Australia, England and South Africa, the three SENA countries that have historically tested touring batters the hardest.

What Next

Should Pant pass both simulation rounds, he will be cleared to travel and join the Test squad ahead of its New Zealand assignment. Any setback in the Wednesday session would likely delay his departure. The BCCI has not released an official statement on the matter, and the timeline depends on the Centre of Excellence’s assessment.