Rishabh Pant Back in the Nets: Comeback Hope Rises Ahead of New Zealand Tests

Good news is flickering for India. Rishabh Pant has started batting in the nets, a significant step in his comeback from injury. With a two-match Test series against New Zealand looming, every update on the explosive wicketkeeper-batter is being watched closely by fans and selectors alike.

Pant Returns to the Nets

On Thursday evening, Pant posted a video on social media to update fans on his recovery. The southpaw was seen batting in the nets, and his caption said it all.

“love this game.” – Rishabh Pant, on social media

The clip gives India a much-needed lift. Pant has been named in the Test squad, but his availability for the first Test, scheduled for November 19, remains doubtful.

The Injury Behind the Setback

Pant picked up a left-side strain during the Irani Cup against Jammu and Kashmir, along with wrist and shoulder concerns. He was leading the Rest of India side against the reigning Ranji Trophy champions at the time.

He went off the field and did not keep wickets, so Sarfaraz Khan took over the captaincy. Pant did bat in both innings, but he could not make a big impact.

India’s Busy New Zealand Tour

India are in New Zealand for a full tour. It began with a five-match T20I series, in which the Men in Blue won the first three matches. The five-match ODI series is now underway, with India holding a lead.

The main focus, however, is the two-match Test series. India will want to win it, or at least draw it, to keep their World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes alive.

Gambhir Offers No Update

After the fifth T20I, head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about Pant’s availability for the first Test. He said he had no update on the former vice-captain.

That leaves the question open. For now, Pant’s own video is the strongest signal yet that his recovery is moving in the right direction.

Missing Action and Staying in Rehab

The 29-year-old has spent most of his recent time at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He has already missed the first two unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A.

He is set to miss the third as well, as his rehabilitation continues. He also did not keep wickets during the Sri Lanka Test after suffering a shoulder injury.

BCCI Playing It Safe

The BCCI medical staff has taken a cautious approach. Pant’s rehabilitation has not met full competitive clearance, so he has been held out as a precaution.

His name in the squad carries an asterisk. That means he will play the series only if he is 100% fit.

Why India Need Pant in the Mix

Pant has been India’s standout wicketkeeper-batter in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He has six centuries there, the most by any keeper-batter in those conditions. A century in New Zealand still eludes him, though.

What Comes Next

The next few days will be crucial. If Pant clears fitness checks and shows he can bat and keep wickets without discomfort, he could still make the first Test.

If not, India will have to find a plan B for a series that carries real weight in the WTC race. Either way, the sight of Pant back with a bat in hand is a welcome one.

The Men in Blue will hope the southpaw’s comeback arrives right on time.