Rishabh Pant cleared for New Zealand Test series

Rishabh Pant has been declared fit for India’s two-Test series against New Zealand starting 19 November in Wellington. The wicketkeeper-batter passed fitness and match-simulation assessments on 10 and 11 November at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and received clearance on 12 November, all three outlets report.

Pant sustained a side strain while captaining Rest of India during the Irani Cup in early October. He failed an initial fitness test earlier in November but was cleared after a second round. Yes Punjab adds that Pant flew out on 12 November and will join the squad in Wellington on 13 November via Singapore. His availability adds to the wicketkeeping options alongside Dhruv Jurel, who impressed with a century and a half-century for India A. The second Test is in Christchurch from 27 November.