Rishabh Pant expected to receive fitness clearance for New Zealand tour

Indian wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is expected to receive fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence and depart for New Zealand on November 12.

Pant recently sustained a side strain while playing the Irani Cup for the Rest of India. Although he was initially named in the India A squad for an unofficial Test subject to fitness, he had not yet secured the required Return To Play certificate.

According to a BCCI source, Pant is currently undergoing match simulation drills. Following the successful completion of these drills, he is scheduled to travel to Wellington. Pant brings significant experience to the squad, having previously played Test cricket in New Zealand in 2020.