India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is reportedly close to receiving fitness clearance ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. The left-hander is expected to return to competitive cricket later this month, with his final fitness assessment likely to be completed within the next 24 hours, according to a PTI report. Pant could travel to New Zealand on Thursday as he prepares to rejoin the Indian Test squad.

Pant has been recovering from a side strain sustained while representing Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Although he was initially included in the India A squad for an unofficial Test against New Zealand A, his selection was subject to fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE). However, he failed to obtain the mandatory Return to Play approval at the time.

The wicketkeeper-batter featured in the Irani Cup last month but endured a difficult outing with the bat, registering scores of 10 and eight. Despite those modest returns, his experience and ability to change the course of a Test match make him an important player for India, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.

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A BCCI source has indicated that Pant has recovered well and is currently completing the final stages of his rehabilitation. “Pant is completely fit. He is undergoing the match simulation drills at the CoE today and there is one round (of simulation) scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday),” a BCCI source told PTI.

“Upon successful completion of both rounds, Pant will then leave for Wellington on November 12,” the source added. The match simulation exercises will be crucial in determining whether Pant is ready to return to competitive action. Successful completion of both rounds is expected to pave the way for his departure to New Zealand.

🚨 Rishabh Pant on course for NZ Tests

Cricbuzz understands that he will undergo final fitness/simulation test on Nov 12 at CoE

Sources say he had solid batting and wicketkeeping sessions and that he looked comfortable in the nets

He has been recovering from a side strain https://t.co/sEo0NJJ3cr

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 10, 2026

Pant’s return would provide a significant boost to India’s batting line-up. The 29-year-old is among the most experienced members of the current Test set-up, having played 52 matches and scored more than 3,000 runs at an average above 43. His record includes eight centuries and 21 half-centuries, highlighting his value as an aggressive middle-order batter.

He has also demonstrated his ability to perform in demanding overseas conditions, scoring Test centuries in Australia, England and South Africa. These performances make him an important option for India in the SENA countries.

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However, Pant will be looking to improve his record in New Zealand. In two Test appearances in the country, he has managed only 60 runs at an average of 15, with a highest score of 25. The upcoming series will offer him an opportunity to make a stronger impression.

Pant also missed the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A in Lincoln, which began on November 7, as he continued his recovery. Tilak Varma was named as his replacement in the India A squad. With his fitness clearance approaching, India will be hopeful of having Pant available for the New Zealand Tests.