Sports News : Team India is currently on a tour of New Zealand. The two teams are currently playing a five-match ODI series, followed by two Test matches. Ahead of this Test series, the Indian Test team has a huge advantage. Star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been declared fully fit by BCCI's Center of Excellence (CoE). After getting the fitness clearance, Pant is all set to travel to Wellington on November 12 and will be fully available for selection for the first Test starting on November 19.
Rishabh Pant suffered a side strain while playing for Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Initially, he was selected for an unofficial Test match for the India A team due to his fitness issues, but failed to get a “return to play” certificate in time, so he could not play in that match. However, he is now fully fit and will soon join the Indian Test team.
The medical team set strict criteria to assess Pant's fitness
The medical team has set strict criteria to assess Pant's fitness. He successfully completed both rounds of match simulation drills at the Center of Excellence. He was officially cleared to play after completing batting and wicketkeeping practice without any discomfort.
Excellent record in army countries
29-year-old Rishabh Pant is one of the most experienced and match-winning players in the current Indian team. He has played 52 Test matches so far, scoring at an impressive average of over 43. He has eight centuries and 21 half-centuries to his name. Pant's record has been impressive in difficult situations in the host countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He has already scored Test centuries in Australia, England and South Africa. Additionally, he is one of the few cricketers in the current squad who played in New Zealand during the two-match Test series in 2020.