# Rishabh Pant injury and availability status

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rishabh-pant-injury-and-availability-status
> Updated: 2026-11-10T10:15:03.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been sidelined by a left-side strain sustained during the Irani Cup. Initially, the BCCI confirmed he would miss the first two matches of India A’s unofficial Test series against New Zealand A, with Kumar Kushagra named as his replacement.

By early November, Pant was expected to miss the third unofficial Test in Lincoln, starting November 7, due to the injury sustained while playing a sweep shot. While he had resumed skill-based training and was reportedly no longer in pain, his availability for the first official Test in Wellington on November 19 remained doubtful. During this period, Dhruv Jurel was positioned to secure a place in the Indian playing XI regardless of Pant's status following strong performances.

As of November 10, Pant is expected to receive fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. A BCCI source indicates he is currently undergoing match simulation drills. Following the successful completion of these drills, Pant is scheduled to depart for New Zealand on November 12 to join the squad in Wellington.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-10: Rishabh Pant expected to receive fitness clearance for New Zealand tour

Rishabh Pant is expected to clear fitness tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and depart for New Zealand on November 12 following a side strain.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-expected-to-receive-fitness-clearance-for-new-zealand-tour

### 2026-11-02: Rishabh Pant doubtful for first Test against New Zealand

Rishabh Pant is likely to miss the final India A vs New Zealand A match and remains doubtful for the first official Test in Wellington due to a side injury sustained during the Irani Cup.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-doubtful-for-first-test-against-new-zealand

### 2026-10-12: Rishabh Pant ruled out of first two India A matches against New Zealand A

Rishabh Pant will miss the first two India A matches against New Zealand A due to a left-side strain. Kumar Kushagra has been named as his replacement for the opening fixtures.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rishabh-pant-ruled-out-of-first-two-india-a-tests-in-new-zealand

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Cite as: Rishabh Pant injury and availability status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rishabh-pant-injury-and-availability-status