Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant likely to feature in India A’s third Test before New Zealand series

Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant Eye India A Return Before New Zealand Test Series

India could receive a timely boost ahead of its upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant expected to feature for India A in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A. The four-day match is scheduled to begin in Lincoln on November 7 and would offer both players valuable match practice before the senior teams meet in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

Bumrah’s participation is understood to be part of his return-to-play preparations, while Pant’s appearance will depend on medical clearance. Both players are included in India’s plans for the two-Test series, but their recent fitness concerns mean the team management will want to assess their readiness carefully. The India A fixture could therefore serve as an important checkpoint rather than simply a warm-up match.

India A match offers valuable preparation

According to reports by ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah and Pant are expected to join India A for the third unofficial Test. The match gives the pair a chance to regain rhythm in a competitive setting, with the conditions and workload likely to provide useful preparation for the New Zealand tour.

For Bumrah, a spell in a four-day match could help the coaching and medical staff evaluate his bowling workload, recovery and ability to sustain repeated spells. For Pant, batting time in the middle would be a key step after his side strain. However, the wicketkeeper’s return to keeping duties appears to be a separate consideration, and his fitness will need to be assessed before the team makes a final decision.

India’s upcoming Test series carries added importance because it contributes to the current WTC standings. A strong start away from home can shape a team’s position in the championship race, making the availability of experienced players especially significant. Still, the selectors and medical staff are likely to balance immediate preparation against the longer-term priority of keeping both cricketers fit throughout the season.

Bumrah completes his return-to-play process

Bumrah has been training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as he works through the required return-to-play programme. Reports indicate that he arrived at the facility on October 26, after Pant reached Bengaluru on October 23. Bumrah is expected to travel to New Zealand on November 1, subject to the completion of his preparations.

The fast bowler’s most recent appearance came at the Asian Games in Japan in early October, where India won the gold medal. He was subsequently rested from a home white-ball series against the West Indies and from the ongoing limited-overs matches against New Zealand. Bumrah has also reportedly continued training in Ahmedabad, where he lives.

India will be cautious about managing his workload. Bumrah’s ability to generate pace, movement and accuracy makes him central to the Test attack, but fast bowlers returning from a break often need a gradual build-up. The India A match, if he plays, would allow the team to monitor his bowling volume and recovery between sessions. The most important prediction for his immediate role is that India will prioritise fitness and match readiness over rushing him into a full workload.

Pant’s comeback depends on medical clearance

Pant is working towards a return after suffering a strain on his left side during the Irani Cup in the first week of October. He had captained Rest of India to victory over Jammu and Kashmir before the injury ruled him out of Delhi’s opening Ranji Trophy match and the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A.

The left-handed batter has begun light training at the CoE, including batting practice, but has not yet resumed wicketkeeping. That distinction matters: keeping for an extended period places different physical demands on the body than batting, and the team will want to be confident that Pant can move, bend and recover without aggravating the injury.

His return would be a welcome addition to India’s Test plans. Pant’s attacking approach can change the tempo of an innings, while his wicketkeeping provides another important option behind the stumps. Even so, a cautious assessment is likely. If medical staff are not satisfied with his progress, India may prefer to delay his comeback rather than risk a setback before the New Zealand series.

Kumar Kushagra steps in as wicketkeeping cover

Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was named as Pant’s replacement for the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A. He has also been selected as cover for Ishan Kishan in India’s ongoing five-match T20I series after Kishan sustained a right adductor strain during the opening match.

Kushagra’s call-ups underline the importance of maintaining depth in the wicketkeeping group. India’s schedule spans multiple formats, and injuries can quickly create competing demands for specialist players. Having a reserve ready for both the India A side and the senior T20I squad gives the selectors flexibility while the medical teams monitor Pant and Kishan.

New Zealand Tests set the next major challenge

India’s two-Test series against New Zealand is scheduled to begin in Wellington from November 19 to 23, with the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. The India A match on November 7 falls at a useful point in the build-up, giving the management time to review the players’ condition before final decisions are made for the senior fixtures.

The key question is not only whether Bumrah and Pant appear in Lincoln, but how they respond to the demands of match cricket. A successful outing could strengthen India’s preparations and provide reassurance about their availability. Any decision, however, will depend on fitness assessments and the players’ ability to complete their workloads without discomfort.

For supporters, the potential India A return offers an encouraging sign, but it is not a guarantee that either player will be rushed into action. India’s prediction for the series will depend partly on how effectively the team manages its returning stars, alongside the form of its other batters and bowlers. With the WTC campaign underway, a fully prepared Bumrah and a fit Pant could make a substantial difference to India’s prospects in New Zealand.