Team India have received a fitness update ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to feature in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A.
Rishabh Pant has also been included in the plans, but his participation will depend on clearance from the BCCI medical staff.
Both players are currently training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as they prepare for the two-Test series later in November.
According to a reports, Bumrah is expected to play the third unofficial Test, scheduled to take place in Lincoln from November 7 to 10.
Bumrah’s return to competitive cricket would be a boost for India, especially with the team preparing for an important Test series.
The fast bowler has been following the required return to play process at the Centre of Excellence before joining the national team. He is expected to travel to New Zealand on November 1.
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, is still working his way back from a side strain sustained during the Irani Cup in early October.
The injury forced him to miss Delhi’s opening Ranji Trophy match and the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. While the left hander has started light training and batting drills, he has not yet resumed wicketkeeping.
His participation in the third unofficial Test will depend on the medical team’s assessment. The match could provide valuable game time ahead of the senior team’s Test series, but India will not want to rush him back before he is fully fit.
The first Test against New Zealand is scheduled for November 19 to 23 in Wellington, followed by the second from November 27 to December 1 in Christchurch. Bumrah’s expected return and Pant’s progress will be important developments for India as they prepare for the series.
