Published on: Nov 10, 2026 6:22 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 10, 2026 6:29 pm IST
There’s some good news for Team India and their fans ahead of the IND vs NZ Test series. The first Test of the series is set to be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19, and dynamic wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is closing in on a complete return ahead of the opening Test match.
Having spent the past few weeks recovering from a side strain sustained during the Irani Cup in early October, Pant is currently undergoing final rehabilitation protocols at the BCC Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The 29-year-old wicket-keeper batter is participating in the two-day match simulation drills at the facility in Bengaluru and is aiming to be fully fit ahead of the first IND vs NZ Test on November 19.
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Rishabh Pant was named Rest of India skipper in the Irani Cup to take on Ranji champions Jammu & Kashmir but couldn’t participate in the competition owing to a side strain injury. He subsequently missed India A’s fixture against New Zealand A to prepare for the Test series.
The two-day simulation process serves as the ultimate test of his readiness. By replicating the rigorous physical demands of a five-day Test match, the medical panel will assess how Pant handles sustained rotation and lateral movement under match conditions. A BCCI source closer to the development confirmed Pant’s progress:
“Pant is completely fit. He is undergoing the match simulation drills at the CoE today and there is one round scheduled for tomorrow. Upon successful completion of both rounds, Pant will then leave for Wellington on November 12.”
Pant’s timely return comes as a massive boost for Team India ahead of the IND vs NZ Test series. The two Test matches in this series will carry significant points for the World Test Championship as India’s quest to make it to the WTC final continues. Having accumulated 52 Test appearances, Pant stands as one of the few senior batters in the current setup with prior experience playing Test cricket in New Zealand conditions.
With an impressive Test record including eight centuries and an average above 43, his aggressive counter-attacking style provides vital balance to India’s middle order. His ability to shift momentum in challenging SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) conditions makes him an indispensable key to India’s game plan at the Basin Reserve.
With Pant expected to land in Wellington on November 12, the wicket-keeper batter will have close to a week to get his preparations on track before featuring in the opening Test match. With the team management already organizing specialized training blocks in Wellington even during the ODI series, Pant’s arrival will be nothing less than a blessing for the side and a major boost to their WTC final hopes.