India A Suffer Major Setback As Star Wicketkeeper-Batter Ruled Out Of Third Unofficial Test Against New Zealand A

India A have suffered a major setback ahead of their third and final unofficial Test against New Zealand A, with Rishabh Pant set to miss the fixture as he continues his recovery from a side strain. The wicketkeeper-batter had been included in the squad for the November 7 match subject to fitness clearance, but the team management is reportedly unwilling to rush his return to competitive cricket.

Pant's absence will be another disappointment for the Indian star, who was expected to use the four-day fixture in Lincoln to regain match practice ahead of the senior team's two-Test series against New Zealand.

According to reports, he has resumed skill training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and is currently experiencing no pain. However, he is yet to receive clearance to return to competitive action. 

ALSO READ: WATCH: Young Indian Bowler Puts Virat Kohli Under Pressure In Training Ahead Of IND vs NZ ODI Series

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out Of Third Unofficial Test

Pant sustained a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup final in October. The injury forced him to miss the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A, with the BCCI naming Kumar Kushagra as his replacement for those matches.

The BCCI had initially kept Pant's availability for the third fixture open, stating that a decision would be taken at a later stage. The wicketkeeper-batter has since resumed batting drills, but has not yet restarted wicketkeeping practice.

Reports suggest that Pant must complete three to four skill sessions before the medical team can assess his match fitness and establish a return-to-play timeline. The management is taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. 

India A vs New Zealand A: Third Unofficial Test Details

The third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A is scheduled to take place from November 7 to 10 in Lincoln. The match was expected to provide Pant with valuable red-ball preparation before India's senior team begins its Test assignment against the Black Caps.

India A are being led by Dhruv Jurel, who has also strengthened his credentials with his performances in the ongoing series. His wicketkeeping and batting contributions could become particularly important in Pant's absence.

ALSO READ: IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Varun, Bhuvneshwar Return As New Zealand Opt To Bowl; Check Playing XIs

Will Rishabh Pant Be Fit For India's Test Series?

Pant's availability for the senior team's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand remains a major concern. The opening Test is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second match in Christchurch from November 27.

Missing the final India A fixture would leave Pant with limited opportunities to gain match practice before the Test series. Dhruv Jurel could therefore come into consideration if Pant does not receive fitness clearance in time.

The BCCI medical team's assessment over the coming days will be crucial in determining Pant's return. India will be keen to have their first-choice wicketkeeper fully fit, but the management is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with his recovery.