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India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has suffered a fresh setback just when he was preparing for the upcoming three-match Test series in New Zealand. Rishabh Pant is now dealing with a back spasm after recently missing action because of viral fever.
Pant was earlier ruled out of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season opener after he was diagnosed with viral fever during the Irani Cup 2026. The BCCI medical unit advised the star wicketkeeper to take complete rest after he developed fever and flu-like symptoms. Earlier, Dinesh Karthik compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar with Jasprit Bumrah after India recall.
Rishabh Pant hit by fresh setback after Irani Cup 2026
Rishabh Pant could not take part on the final day of the Irani Cup 2026 against Jammu and Kashmir because of the fever. Delhi vice-captain Sarfaraz Khan took charge of the Rest of India team on the field, while Aryan Juyal handled the wicketkeeping duties.
After leading the rest of India to the Irani Cup 2026 triumph, Pant had himself asked to play for India A to get proper red-ball practice before the Test series in New Zealand. However, his fitness has now become a concern, with the BCCI medical team closely monitoring him.
Back spasm could delay Rishabh Pant's preparation for New Zealand Tests
However, the latest concern is the left-hander’s back. A Times of India journalist revealed that Pant has been suffering from back spasms since the Irani Cup match. Amid this, Gautam Gambhir's emotional message for Ajit Agarkar after his exit.
Pant could need another week before returning to training and is expected to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he could be cleared in around 10 to 15 days. But there is hope that he will be fine before India’s red-ball matches in New Zealand.
Just in: Pant has been suffering from back spasm from the Irani Cup match. He will be reporting to CoE and is likely to be cleared in 10-15 days.
— Arani Basu (@AraniBasuTOI) October 6, 2026
Rishabh Pant named in India A squad for New Zealand tour
The BCCI has already named Pant in the India A squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The team will play three unofficial four-day matches against New Zealand A alongside India’s senior team’s T20I series. The senior team will also play five ODIs and three Tests on the tour.
Dhruv Jurel has been named captain of the 15-member India A squad, while Pant has been included as the second wicketkeeper, subject to fitness. The squad also includes several big names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan, who are expected to get important red-ball practice before the crucial WTC series in New Zealand.
Ravichandran Smaran, Yash Rathod, Washington Sundar, and Manav Suthar have also been named in the squad. India's bowling attack is comprised of Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, and Auqib Nabi.
🚨 Announcement 🚨 #TeamIndia's T20I squad and India A squads for New Zealand tour announced 📝 Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes a comeback to the T20I side 🙌 More Details ▶️ https://t.co/oJ52QSH0DO #NZvIND https://t.co/btbXlQ0nQD
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2026
IND A vs NZ A Red-Ball Fixtures
The first unofficial test between India A and New Zealand A will begin on October 24 in Lincoln, followed by the second game in Christchurch starting October 31, and Lincoln will host the final game from November 7. The squad will leave for New Zealand on October 16. This will be India's first Test tour in New Zealand since 2020.
