Pant undergoing two-day simulation, likely to leave for New Zealand on November 12

NEW DELHI India's Test team is set to get a boost as star wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant in all likelihood will get fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence and leave for New Zealand on Thursday. Pant, who sustained a side strain while playing Irani Cup for Rest of India, was initially named in the India A squad for one unofficial Test subject to fitness. However, he didn't get the required 'RTP' (Return To Play) certificate from the CoE.

"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). Upon successful completion of both rounds, Pant will then leave for Wellington on November 12," a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Pant is one of the few cricketers in this current set-up, who has the experience of playing Test cricket in New Zealand when the national team toured that nation in 2020. The 29-year-old Pant is one of the senior-most players in the set-up with 52 Tests under his belt.