📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ben Sutherland from Crystal Palace, London, UK
Sports
Rishabh Pant Misses First Two Unofficial Tests vs New Zealand A After Irani Cup Strain
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 13 Oct 2026, 01:37 AM
👁 20
Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A after sustaining a left‑side strain during the Irani Cup.
Rishabh Pant, India's promising wicket‑keeper‑batsman, will miss the opening two unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A. The board confirmed his exclusion after medical tests revealed a left‑side muscle strain suffered during the recent Irani Cup final.
The injury occurred in the latter stages of the Irani Cup, where Pant was attempting a big innings for the Rest of India side. Team doctors diagnosed a Grade‑2 strain, advising a minimum four‑week rest period to avoid aggravation.
His absence leaves a gap in India's middle order and behind the stumps, prompting selectors to consider alternatives such as Sanju Samson or Ruturaj Gaikwad for the upcoming fixtures. The board will reassess Pant's fitness before the official series begins.
The unofficial Tests, scheduled in early December, are intended as preparation for the main series against New Zealand. Team management hopes the rest of the squad can adapt quickly and maintain momentum despite Pant's setback.
The injury occurred in the latter stages of the Irani Cup, where Pant was attempting a big innings for the Rest of India side. Team doctors diagnosed a Grade‑2 strain, advising a minimum four‑week rest period to avoid aggravation.
His absence leaves a gap in India's middle order and behind the stumps, prompting selectors to consider alternatives such as Sanju Samson or Ruturaj Gaikwad for the upcoming fixtures. The board will reassess Pant's fitness before the official series begins.
The unofficial Tests, scheduled in early December, are intended as preparation for the main series against New Zealand. Team management hopes the rest of the squad can adapt quickly and maintain momentum despite Pant's setback.