Rishabh Pant has officially received fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence, as he would be joining the Indian squad for the Test series against New Zealand. The Indian wicket-keeper cleared two
rigorous fitness and simulation tests conducted on November 10 and 11. Now, the star player is all set to travel to New Zealand within 24 hours as the Test series starts on November 19. The return of Pant to the Indian batting unit would come as a massive boost to the squad, as it could strengthen their middle order. Shubman Gill and his men would be facing an uphill task on testing conditions, and the resilience of the side could be tested.
The 29-year-old picked up a side strain while leading the Rest of India squad in the Irani Cup in early October. He has been out of international cricket for a long time, and ever since he sustained the injury, he has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the CoE. Initially, Pant was picked in the Indian squad for the 2-match Test series against New Zealand, but his participation was subject to fitness clearance. The youngster couldn’t make it to the squad for the unofficial Tests for India A, but he has regained his match fitness right in time for the Test series.
Rishabh Pant has got his fitness clearance from the CoE and will travel to New Zealand in less than 24 hours.
The Test series kickstarts on November 19. https://t.co/9ioOgOPmSQ
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 12, 2026
Pant’s return hands massive boost to Indian middle order
India would be entering the 2-match Test series against New Zealand on November 14, and it could be a massive test for the side. Historically, New Zealand has been one of India’s toughest overseas battles, with their last Test series win there coming in 2009. The pitch conditions aren’t the easiest to adapt to, and the visitors would be going into the match with a relatively inexperienced squad. Shubman Gill would be mindful of the conditions, and he would have to back his team to be resilient. Rishabh Pant’s return to the squad could be vital for the side as he is one of the most consistent batters down the order for India.
Also Read | Sachin Tendulkar to gift 26 bats, other memorabilia for MCA’s ‘Batography’ exhibition
Jasprit Bumrah is all set to lead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Anshul Kamboj. India has the right kind of bowlers to hit the deck as their pace unit relies on pace and disciplined lengths for wickets. Crucially, Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja got valuable red-ball game time in the final India A fixture.
The hosts are also dealing with fitness concerns as several core players, including Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tom Blundell, have missed the cut. Another notable absence from the Kiwi squad would be Kane Williamson, as he announced his retirement from all formats of the game.
With Rishabh Pant back in the squad, India would have their star wicket-keeper behind the stumps along with some muscle power in the middle order. Shubman Gill and his men would be keen on putting up a fighting display, and the experienced players would carry much of the expectations. India will look to start strong and put the hosts under immediate pressure in unfamiliar conditions.
