Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket has hit another hurdle. Earlier reports had suggested the India wicketkeeper-batter would play the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln, which runs from November 7 to 10. A fresh report from Dainik Jagran now says he will not feature in that match either.
Rishabh Pant picked up a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in Srinagar in October. The discomfort reportedly began when he tried a sweep shot in the first innings. He was also reported to be unwell with flu-like symptoms. Even so, he came out to bat at No. 8 in the second innings, but he did not keep wicket during Jammu and Kashmir’s chase.
According to the Dainik Jagran report, Rishabh Pant has resumed skill training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is no longer feeling pain, and there are no visible clinical symptoms. However, no timeline has been set for his return to competitive cricket.
“Pant has resumed skill training following his recovery. He is currently experiencing no pain, and there are no visible clinical symptoms associated with the injury. However, a definite timeline for his return to competitive cricket has not been established,” the report stated.
Notably, Pant must first complete three to four practice sessions. These will test his fitness, batting and wicketkeeping before the medical team decides on a return-to-play plan. He has reportedly restarted batting drills but has not yet resumed wicketkeeping practice.
(More to follow)
