IND vs NZ: India have received a major boost ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant travelling to join the team in Wellington.

Pant left for New Zealand on Thursday morning after completing his rehabilitation programme at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He received clearance from the medical team following his recovery from a rib strain.

According to a source, Pant travelled via Singapore and was expected to reach Wellington early on Friday.
His arrival will strengthen India’s options ahead of the two-match Test series.

“He left for New Zealand this morning and will reach there via a connecting flight from Singapore. It is believed that he has already left Singapore. He will reach Wellington early in the morning as per New Zealand time and early in the morning as per Indian Standard Time,” a source said.

The wicketkeeper-batter subsequently reported to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru in the last week of October to continue his rehabilitation. He worked on his recovery through several training sessions, focusing on different aspects of his game.

Pant was also named in the India A squad for three four-day matches against New Zealand A. However, fitness concerns prevented him from taking part in the series.

After completing his rehabilitation and receiving medical clearance, Pant is now set to rejoin the senior Indian team.

He will join captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj, who were released from the ODI squad after the third match to prepare for the Test series.

However, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has also strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI. Jurel impressed against New Zealand A, scoring a century and a half-century across four innings.

India also have strong batting options in B. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. Sudharsan scored 91 and 88 in his five innings for India A, while Padikkal produced impressive knocks of 199 and 80.

With several players competing for places, the team management will have some important decisions to make before the opening Test.

India are currently fourth in the WTC points table and need strong results to remain in contention for a place in the final scheduled for June 2027.

New Zealand, the 2021 World Test Championship winners, are currently at the top of the standings.
Defending champions South Africa and 2023 winners Australia are also among the leading teams.

With the two Tests scheduled in Wellington and Christchurch, India will be keen to put together a strong performance. Pant’s return adds another experienced option to the squad as Gill’s team prepares for an important challenge in New Zealand.