Concerns have mounted for the Indian cricket team ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, as frontline wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant failed his mandatory fitness assessment. The evaluation took place on Sunday at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where trainers and medical staff closely monitored his physical readiness.
Second Opportunity Before Boarding the Flight
Despite not clearing the fitness test in Bengaluru, Pant has not been ruled out of the overseas assignment just yet. Before the squad boards the flight to New Zealand, he will undergo a follow-up assessment to prove his fitness. The team management and medical personnel intend to give the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter every chance to meet the required conditioning standards.
First Test Commences November 19 in Wellington
The opening Test match between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19 in Wellington. Pant remains a critical element in India's red-ball lineup due to his aggressive middle-order batting and primary role behind the stumps. Failure to pass the upcoming re-test would force the team setup to identify an alternative wicketkeeping option ahead of the series opener.
