Rishabh Pant set to receive CoE fitness clearance, to travel to Wellington on Nov 12

Rishabh Pant is poised to receive fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence and will travel to Wellington, New Zealand, on November 12, a BCCI source told PTI on November 10. The wicketkeeper-batter has been undergoing return-to-play procedures after sustaining a side strain.

Pant suffered the side strain while representing Rest of India in the Irani Cup and was originally named in the India A squad for one unofficial Test subject to fitness. He did not initially receive the required 'RTP' (Return To Play) certificate from the CoE, delaying his travel plans.

"Pant is completely fit. He is undergoing the match simulation drills at the CoE today and there is one round (of simulation) scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday). Upon successful completion of both rounds, Pant will then leave for Wellington on November 12," a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Pant is among the few members of the current set-up who has prior Test experience in New Zealand, having played there when the national side toured in 2020. That experience was highlighted as relevant to the squad balance for the forthcoming tour.

The 29-year-old is one of the senior players in India's Test group, having appeared in 52 Tests. He has compiled eight Test centuries and 21 fifties, and his career Test average stands above 43.

A left-hander, Pant has registered Test hundreds in Australia, England and South Africa among the SENA countries.

Upon successful completion of the remaining match-simulation round, Pant will depart for Wellington on November 12, the source said.