Rishabh Pant Ruled Out Of 3rd Unofficial Test vs New Zealand A, Replacement Finalized- Report

Rishabh Pant ruled out of New Zealand A Test [Source: AFP]

Rishabh Pant's wait to return to the field is likely to be extended after the batter has already missed the first two Unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. The wicketkeeper-batter was initially part of the squad ahead of the high-profile Test series but was withdrawn and replaced by Kumar Kushagra.

Led by Dhruv Jurel, India A drew both of the first two games against New Zealand in Lincoln and Christchurch, respectively. To India's relief, his understudy of sorts, Jurel, scored a century in challenging conditions.

Rishabh Pant out of the 3rd Unofficial Test

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that the left-hander was yet to be cleared to play after his side strain injury suffered during the Irani Cup. He was set to go through another round of fitness tests before potentially boarding a flight to New Zealand.

However, the latest report from Cricinfo's Shashank Kishore suggests that Rishabh Pant is certainly out of the final Unofficial Test of the tour. Pant continues his rehab at the Centre of Excellence as India continues to play the ODI series.

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One of the main focuses of this tour was the Test series beginning on November 19 at Basin Reverse in Wellington and his participation for the series also remains under the scanner. Tilak Varma has reportedly already joined the India A squad in Lincoln to replace Pant.

To Tilak Varma's credit, he has a good First Class record in a 25-match career. In 38 innings, Varma has scored 1828 runs at an average of 57.12 with 8 centuries and 7 fifties, showcasing a brilliant conversion rate.

Bumrah and Jadeja bolster India A squad

On a positive note, India's Test specialists, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, have joined the India A team for the Lincoln Test, starting Saturday, October 7. Bumrah was also seen in the India dugout in Christchurch, while his bowling partner Mohammed Siraj ripped through New Zealand A.

Both Bumrah and Jadeja are not a part of the Indian ODI squad for the ongoing series, with the focus on Tests. They will feature for India A in the final preparatory fixture and acclimatise to the conditions.

As per the aforementioned report, Siraj has joined the Indian team for the ODI in Wellington, while Prasidh Krishna, who was also rehebing at the COE is also likely to play the match in Lincoln.

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