![Pant doubtful for 1st Test vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793505749946_Pantdoubtfulfor1stTestvsNewZealand.jpg?type=hq)
Pant doubtful for 1st Test vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]
Ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, India have sustained a major blow as star batter Rishabh Pant is unlikely to take part in the first Test of the series. According to journalist Abhishek Tripathi, uncertainty looms large over his participation in the series opener in Wellington.
The keeper-batter is also unlikely to feature in the third India A vs New Zealand A unofficial Test match, starting on November 7, and it comes as a massive blow for the Indian side.
Pant unlikely for 1st Test, centurion Dhruv Jurel likely to get a nod
In the Irani Cup final, the Indian batter sustained a side strain injury and a back spasm. As a result, he was ruled out of the first two unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A, with Kumar Kushagra named as a replacement.
The Dainik Jagran report stated that Pant has resumed training and is currently not experiencing any pain or discomfort. However, the BCCI is not rushing him back, as it has not set a timeline for his India comeback.
Pant remains touch and go for the first Test in Wellington, and in case he misses the game, Dhruv Jurel is set to resume the wicket-keeping duties. Jurel scored a century in the second unofficial Test against the Kiwis and has been in solid form.
Who replaces Pant if he misses the first Test?
The BCCI is unlikely to rush him back into the team, and if he misses the first Test match, India actually has a replacement ready.
In the last Test series against Sri Lanka, both Pant and Jurel played in the main XI, and with the left-handed batter likely to be out of the first Test, Jurel will take over from him in the keeping duties.
In such a scenario, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been in and out of the red-ball setup, could get a nod. The Wellington pitch will suit the seam bowlers, and he can be a great asset to the team with his all-round abilities.
Nitish can trouble the batters with his medium-pace bowling, and at the same time, Jurel can be the wicket-keeper in the playing XI against the Kiwis.
