India, Nov. 6 -- Rishabh Pant is likely to miss the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, which begins in Lincoln on November 7, as he continues his recovery from a side strain. According to reports, the wicketkeeper-batter is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has not yet regained full fitness. His absence comes as another setback in his efforts to return to competitive cricket, with earlier reports suggesting that he could feature in the final match of the India A series.

Pant's fitness concerns have also raised questions over his availability for India's upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, which starts on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. With the...