![Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793639372194_Rishabh_Pant.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]
Rishabh Pant has reportedly expressed his availability for the Delhi cricket team to play the upcoming domestic season. As per a report, the senior wicketkeeper-batter has already conveyed the message to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.
It is worth noting that Pant also recently played the Irani Cup 2026 match as Rest of India captain against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar just last month.
Rishabh Pant keeps domestic season as backup playing option
Rishabh Pant has been named in India A as well as in Team India squad for their upcoming first-class and Test matches in New Zealand. However, his availability in the national side is subject to a fitness clearance.
Struggling with injuries over the past few months, Pant has expressed his availability to play domestic cricket for Delhi, if he fails to clear the fitness tests for the New Zealand tour.
As reported by the Times of India, the senior stumper has already conveyed his message to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley. Moreover, he will likely play the entire Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well as a major part of the 2026-27 Vijay Hazare Trophy season if he gets ruled out of the national squad before the Tests in New Zealand.
It is worth noting that playing SMAT and Vijay Hazare fixtures will also do a world of good for the 29-year-old, considering he has not been considered for national selection in ODI and T20I formats for more than two years.
A prolific Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026-27 season might put Rishabh Pant back on the selector’s radar, especially during India’s road towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Africa next year.
Rishabh Pant still not cleared for New Zealand Tests
It appears that Rishabh Pant might end up playing for Delhi this domestic season after all, considering the senior wicketkeeper-batter is not cleared by the BCCI medical team to play India’s upcoming Test series and first-class fixtures in New Zealand.
As reported earlier in the day, Pant is set to undergo a second round of assessment, as the BCCI wants to check his fitness level before giving him clearance for the impending fixtures.
If he receives the required clearance, the 29-year-old will join the India A squad for the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A next week. The clearance will also put him on track to be available for India’s subsequent two-Test assignment in the country.
Be that as it may, Rishabh Pant might still play a section of domestic matches for the Delhi cricket team upon returning from New Zealand next month.
