Rishabh Pant is likely to be fit for India's first Test against New Zealand, starting November 19 in Wellington, according to a report by The Times of India. The wicketkeeper-batter has made significant progress in his recovery from a side strain and is expected to join the Indian squad next week.

Pant, who last featured in international cricket during the second Test against Sri Lanka in August, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He recently shared a video of himself batting in the nets but missed the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A in Lincoln.

Rishabh Pant Likely to Be Available for 1st Test Against New Zealand

According to The Times of India, Rishabh Pant is set to fly to New Zealand next week and is expected to be available for the opening Test in Wellington on November 19. The report stated that his recovery from a side strain is progressing as planned.

"Pant is set to fly out to New Zealand next week. He will be available for the first Test," sources said.

During India's 2020 tour of New Zealand, Pant struggled against the hosts' bowling attack and managed a highest score of just 25 across four innings. He will hope for a better outing when India take on New Zealand in the first Test at the Basin Reserve.

How Rishabh Pant's Recent Form Could Shape His New Zealand Return

Rishabh Pant last played for India during the Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo in August 2026. After a bouncer from Lahiru Kumara struck his left arm, he retired hurt on three runs. However, he returned the following day to score 63 off 89 deliveries in the second Test.

Pant has scored 2,534 runs at an average of 41.54, surpassing MS Dhoni's previous Indian wicketkeeper record of 2,496 runs away from home. He has also overtaken Shubman Gill to become India's leading run-scorer in the World Test Championship.

However, Pant scored 10 and eight before missing the third day of the Irani Cup due to fever while representing Rest of India. His team still secured a 167-run victory over Jammu and Kashmir.

Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja in Action for India A in Lincoln

Several established India internationals will use the third unofficial Test to gain valuable red-ball practice. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the India A playing XI, alongside Washington Sundar and Prasidh Krishna.

Prasidh is looking to regain match fitness after spending three weeks recovering from a hamstring strain. He has received clearance to play all formats but was not rushed into the ODI squad ahead of the Test series.

Mukesh Kumar and Mukesh Choudhary are also part of the pace attack, while Nitish Kumar Reddy did not get an opportunity to play red-ball cricket following his release from the ODI squad.

New Zealand A have also made several changes, with wicketkeeper Max Chu returning to lead the side in place of Rhys Mariu. Cameron Paul, Danru Ferns and Zak Gibson have earned places in the squad, while Jayden Lennox, Mitchell Hay, Kristian Clarke and the injured Fraser Sheat have made way.