New Delhi, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India have received a major boost ahead of their Test series against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant travelling to join the squad in Wellington on Friday after receiving medical clearance following an extended rehabilitation programme.
Pant completed his recovery work at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and flew out early Thursday. He is expected to reach Wellington via Singapore, according to a source quoted by IANS.
Pant had suffered a side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup, held in Srinagar from October 1 to 4. He reported to the CoE in Bengaluru in the last week of October, where he underwent rehabilitation and worked on different aspects of his game.
The wicketkeeper-batter had been named in India’s Test squad for the New Zealand tour as well as the India A team for three four-day matches against New Zealand A, subject to full fitness. However, his recovery took longer than expected, forcing him to miss the first two India A matches and the third game in Lincoln from November 7 to 10.
In Wellington, Pant will join captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj, who were released from the ODI squad after the third match to prepare for the two-Test series.
His return, however, could create a selection dilemma for the team management. Dhruv Jurel, who captained India A, strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI with a century and a half-century in four innings against New Zealand A.
Other top-order contenders have also impressed. B. Sai Sudharsan scored 91 and 88 in five India A innings, while Devdutt Padikkal produced outstanding knocks of 199 and 80.
The two-Test series, to be played in Wellington and Christchurch, will be crucial for India’s World Test Championship campaign. Gill’s side are currently fourth in the standings and need victories to remain in contention for the final scheduled for June 2027. New Zealand lead the table, ahead of defending champions South Africa and 2023 winners Australia.
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