India National Cricket Team’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play for India A in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand. Ahead of the crucial two-match Test series, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also return to action in the same unofficial Test match between India A and New Zealand A after recovering from a left-side strain. Amid this, IPL 2027 mini-auction set to clash with India vs Sri Lanka ODI.

Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant set for India A return ahead of New Zealand Test series

As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant both are expected to turn up for India A in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A. The four-day match will begin on November 7 in Lincoln. However, Pant’s participation will depend on fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.

With both players part of India's squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, Bumrah and Pant’s availability for the India A match will give them an important opportunity to prepare for the upcoming series, having been sidelined for different reasons.

The report revealed that Bumrah and Pant are currently training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Pant reached the facility on Friday (October 23), while Bumrah arrived on Monday (October 26). Bumrah is completing the required return-to-play process before travelling to New Zealand on November 1.

Jasprit Bumrah focuses on training in Ahmedabad

The star fast bowler’s last appearance came during the Asian Games 2026 in Japan in early October, where India won the gold medal. Amid this, Ravichandran Ashwin dismisses Rohit Sharma retirement rumors, predicts Hardik Pandya trade ahead of IPL 2027.

The Indian selectors later rested him for the home white-ball series against the West Indies and the ongoing T20I and ODI matches against New Zealand. Bumrah has reportedly continued his training in Ahmedabad, where he lives.

Rishabh Pant eyes comeback after side strain

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is working hard to recover from the side strain he suffered during the Irani Cup in the first week of October. He led the rest of India to victory against 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 started light training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, including batting practice, but has not started wicketkeeping yet. The Indian cricket team management will closely monitor his progress before making a final decision on his return.

Kumar Kushagra drafted into India A and India T20I squad

The national selectors had named Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as Pant's replacement for the first two four-day matches against New Zealand A. Kushagra was also recently picked as a backup for Ishan Kishan in the ongoing five-match T20I series after the star wicketkeeper-batter suffered a right adductor strain during the first T20I.

They are currently gearing up for the third T20I against the Black Caps on Tuesday, October 27, in Wellington. Well, India will face New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.