Rishabh Pant joins India Test squad in New Zealand

BCCI medical staff clears Pant after rehabilitation

The BCCI medical staff granted Rishabh Pant fitness clearance following his recovery from a side strain. He sustained this injury while captaining the Rest of India squad during the Irani Cup held in Srinagar from October 1 to 4, 2026.

He missed the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A. Although he was intended to play in the third match between November 7 and 10, 2026, the BCCI medical team extended his rehabilitation period to conduct further fitness assessments.

Team management evaluates selection options for Wellington

India currently ranks fourth in the World Test Championship standings, behind first-placed New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. Kamboj departed the ODI squad following the third of five matches.

Team management is weighing whether to include both Pant and Dhruv Jurel in the XI. They are also considering selecting one of the two alongside B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal.

These players performed in recent matches against New Zealand A. Jurel recorded a century and a half-century, while Sudharsan scored 91 and 88. Padikkal posted scores of 199 and 80.

Abhinav Mukund discusses Pant's role in IPL 2027

Abhinav Mukund suggested that the Delhi Capitals should pair Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul as openers for the upcoming IPL 2027 season. The franchise is currently working to finalize its batting combination.

Mukund told JioStar, "I'd love for Rishabh to bat in the top three."

Mukund added, "There are so many top-order options in the squad, but not too many clearly defined middle-order batters."

He added that Pant was highly successful as a middle-order batter earlier in his career.

The Delhi Capitals are preparing for a new era under revamped support staff. Mukund questioned the trade of T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Zeeshan Ansari. He argued the team already possesses spin options in Vipraj Nigam and Axar Patel. Rishabh Rajendra Pant is an Indian international who is a wicket-keeper batter for the national team, the Delhi Capitals, and Delhi.