India has received encouraging news ahead of their Test series against New Zealand, as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is travelling to Wellington.
He is expected to join the squad on Friday after receiving medical clearance following an extended rehabilitation programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
According to a source, Pant departed for New Zealand early on Thursday and travelled via Singapore.
Pant suffered a side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup, held in Srinagar from October 1 to 4. He began his rehabilitation at the Bengaluru facility in the last week of October.
Although selectors included him in India’s Test squad and the India A team for three four-day matches, his participation depended on his fitness. His recovery took longer than expected, forcing him to miss all three India A fixtures.
Pant’s arrival could create a selection dilemma for the team management. Dhruv Jurel strengthened his claims for the wicketkeeper’s position with a century and a half-century against New Zealand A.
Batters B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal also impressed. Sudharsan scored 91 and 88, while Padikkal produced innings of 199 and 80.
India will play the two Tests in Wellington and Christchurch. Shubman Gill’s side currently occupies fourth place in the World Test Championship standings and needs victories to remain in contention for the June 2027 final.
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