New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- Rishabh Pant's return to competitive cricket has hit another hurdle. Earlier reports had suggested the India wicketkeeper-batter would play the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln, which runs from November 7 to 10. A fresh report from Dainik Jagran now says he will not feature in that match either.

Rishabh Pant picked up a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup in Srinagar in October. The discomfort reportedly began when he tried a sweep shot in the first innings. He was also reported to be unwell with flu-like symptoms. Even so, he came out to bat at No. 8 in the second innings, but he did not keep wicket during Jammu and Kashmir's chase.

Accord...