New Delhi: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are expected to feature in the third and final unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, beginning Saturday. However, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a side strain.
Pant is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. His absence from the final fixture has also raised questions about his availability for India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, with the opening match scheduled to begin on November 19.
While Pant remains unavailable, India are expected to strengthen their A squad with the inclusion of Bumrah and Jadeja. Their participation would provide valuable match practice ahead of the international Test assignments.
India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has already joined the India A squad in Lincoln as Pant’s replacement. Dhruv Jurel will continue to lead the side, which also includes seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Reddy was part of India’s ODI squad until Wednesday but did not feature in the playing XI for the rain-affected opening match of the series.
If Pant fails to regain full fitness before the Test series, Jurel is expected to take over wicketkeeping responsibilities for India.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is also likely to play Saturday’s fixture as he looks to regain match fitness following a hamstring injury. He has completed three weeks of rehabilitation and has received clearance to play across all formats.
However, the team management has opted to keep him out of the ODI squad while prioritising his preparation for the upcoming Test assignments.
Mohammed Siraj has also joined India’s ODI squad in Wellington ahead of Saturday’s match after missing the series opener in Auckland.
