Daijiworld Media Network - Wellington
Wellington, Oct 27: India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to competitive cricket in the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled to be played in Lincoln from November 7 to 10. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also feature in the four-day match, subject to medical clearance.
Both players are currently training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as they work towards regaining full match fitness ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. Pant arrived at the facility on Friday, while Bumrah reported on Monday, according to reports.
Bumrah's visit is part of the mandatory return-to-play process that players must complete before joining the national squad for a series. He is expected to travel to New Zealand on November 1, ahead of the Tests scheduled in Wellington from November 19 to 23 and Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
Bumrah last featured in competitive cricket at the Asian Games in Japan in early October, where India won the gold medal. The selectors subsequently rested him for the home white-ball series against the West Indies and the T20I and ODI matches during the ongoing New Zealand tour. He had been training in Ahmedabad before reporting to the Bengaluru facility for assessments and preparations.
Pant's return remains subject to further evaluation. He sustained a side strain during the Irani Cup in the first week of October, when he captained Rest of India to victory over Jammu and Kashmir.
The injury forced him to miss Delhi's opening Ranji Trophy fixture and the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. Although Pant has resumed light training and batting drills at the CoE, he has yet to begin wicketkeeping practice. His participation in the third unofficial Test will depend on the medical team's assessment of his recovery and match readiness.
In Pant's absence, Jharkhand wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra was selected for the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A. However, following Ishan Kishan's injury, Kushagra joined India's T20I setup as cover.