Rishabh Pant fails fitness test ahead of New Zealand tour; decision due within 48 hours

India's Test series against New Zealand is due to begin soon, but the Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback. Wicketkeeper and star batter Rishabh Pant could not pass a fitness test before leaving for the New Zealand tour. It has become the team's biggest concern just ahead of the tour.

The fitness test was held at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Pant was called there because he had felt a "side strain", a muscle problem, during the Irani Cup played some time ago. That injury had raised questions about his fitness. He could not prove himself fully fit in the very first test, which has added to the team's worry.

Even so, Pant has not been dropped from the squad altogether. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his health and injury. He will undergo another medical and fitness test within the next 48 hours. Only after that will it be clear whether he will travel to New Zealand. The decision on whether Pant will play will thus be made in two days.

Pant is a key player for India in the Test and ODI series. He has several times shouldered the middle-order responsibility for the Indian team. All eyes are now on the outcome of his next fitness test.

There is also some relief for the team. Jasprit Bumrah left for the New Zealand tour on Sunday. Bumrah had been away from cricket since the Asian Games. He is said to have worked hard on his fitness, and was seen bowling in practice in Ahmedabad. He may also be seen playing for India A in a practice match.