Rishabh Pant to undergo fitness test on November 9
The wicketkeeper-batter will complete a match simulation at the Centre of Excellence before the Test series in New Zealand begins.
Rishabh Pant is scheduled to undergo a match simulation test at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on November 9, according to the Times of India. The test is a prerequisite for the player to be cleared for the two-Test series in New Zealand, which commences on November 19.
Pant has begun cricket skills training at the CoE while recovering from a side strain injury. A BCCI source told the Times of India that the simulation test was delayed from the previous weekend due to Diwali.
If the player passes the test on Monday, he will travel to New Zealand immediately. A BCCI source noted that the team requires a player of Pant's stature for the upcoming Tests.
The CoE sent an email on Saturday to the Indian team management and selection committee regarding the injury status of Pant, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir stated on Sunday that he had received no update on Pant.
A source from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) said Pant informed president Rohan Jaitley that he is available for the domestic season. This includes the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting November 14 and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Pant told the DDCA that if he is not cleared for the New Zealand Tests, he will play the full Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana is expected to receive clearance from the CoE on Tuesday.