Fresh Twist In Rishabh Pant Comeback Story Ahead Of New Zealand Series: Report

While earlier reports had predicted that Rishabh Pant would play the third unofficial Test of the three-match series between India A and New Zealand A, starting on November 7, the star Indian wicketkeeper-batter may miss the match, according to a fresh report. Pant suffered an injury while playing for Rest of India in the Irani Cup against Jammu and Kashmir. He had resumed training ahead of the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand. However, he will not feature in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A next week in Lincoln, according to a report by Dainik Jagran.

Pant was earlier ruled out of the first two unofficial Tests of India A's tour of New Zealand later this month after sustaining a left-side strain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named 21-year-old Jharkhand wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra as his replacement.

Pant sustained the injury during the recent Irani Cup while captaining Rest of India, reportedly experiencing discomfort while attempting a sweep shot in the first innings. He returned to bat at No. 8 in the second innings while also dealing with flu symptoms and did not keep wicket during Jammu and Kashmir's chase.

The cricketer is recovering under the supervision of the BCCI medical team, with a decision on his availability for the third and final unofficial Test, scheduled to begin on November 7, expected to be taken later. Earlier, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) had confirmed that Pant would miss the Ranji Trophy opener beginning on October 11.

But what exactly is a left-side strain, which muscles can be affected, and how long can such an injury take to heal?

According to Dr Pushkar Chawla, Director and Unit Head, Orthopaedics, ShardaCare Healthcity, the recovery period depends on the severity of the strain, the muscles involved, and the physical demands placed on the injured area.

What is a left-side strain?

A left-side strain generally refers to an injury involving muscles on the left side of the torso. Depending on the precise location, it may affect the intercostal muscles between the ribs, the oblique muscles of the abdomen, or other muscles involved in trunk movement.

"These muscles are particularly important for cricketers because batting, wicketkeeping, throwing, and running require repeated twisting, bending, and sudden changes in movement," says Dr Chawla.

A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibres are overstretched or develop small tears because of excessive force, repetitive activity, or a sudden movement.

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