Ryan Ten Doeschate provides availability update on Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant ahead of Pune Test

Ryan Ten Doeschate, the assistant coach of the Indian cricket team, has shared a fresh update on the fitness of the key players Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant ahead of the all-important second Test against New Zealand, starting on October 24 in Pune.

On Tuesday, October 22, Ryan Ten Doeschate revealed that the young batting sensation Shubman Gill has experienced slight discomfort following his extensive innings in Bengaluru after India’s eigh-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first Test.

Ryan Ten Doeschate assures Shubman Gill's fitness while optimistic about Rishabh Pant

However, India’s assistant coach has assured that Shubman Gill will be fit for the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Ryan Ten Doeschate said at the press conference in Pune: “He's (Shubman Gill) had a slight discomfort. Of course, he batted for a long time in Bengaluru. But he'll be fine for this test.”

As for Rishabh Pant, Ten Doeschate expressed his optimism about the ability of the star wicketkeeper-batter in the crucial Test match in Pune. Ten Doeschate said at the presser: “He's looking good. Hopefully, he'll keep wickets in this Test. He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end of his knock.”

On Akash Deep's chances in playing XI for the Pune Test against New Zealand, India's assistant coach said that the pacer has been bowling extensively during practice sessions and is performing well, but his inclusion will depend on the pitch conditions and how many fast bowlers the team decides to field.

It depends on the Pune pitch: Ryan Ten Doeschate on Akash Deep's inclusion for 2nd Test

Ten Doeschate signed off by saying, “Of course, we'll be taking a battery of pacers to Australia, and at some point you would need them to have game time. He has bowled a lot in between the Tests, but one thing is, he's bowling really well, and it's not long before he'll be back in the XI. It depends on the pitch and how many Pacers we will play here.”

Notably, Shubman Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand due to neck stiffness in Bengaluru. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant was hit on his knee that he had injured during his horrific car accident in 2022. Due to which, Pant was kept out of the action on Day 3 and Day 5 when India was fielding against the Kiwis at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

However, the talented left-hander played an amazing knock of 99 runs in the second inning after failing to capitalize on his good start (20) in the first inning in the opening game of the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand at home.

India handling Rishabh Pant cautionally

After the Bengaluru Test, Team India captain Rohit Sharma had revealed that they don’t want to take a risk with Rishabh Pant, given the recent horrific history, and they have a grueling Test schedule ahead, so they decided to allow him some time to rest during the first Test against New Zealand.

The Indian cricket team is scheduled to face New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune from October 24, while the third and final Test will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1. Following this series, India will travel to Australia for the much-awaited Test series.