Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma is set to undergo a fitness test in Bengaluru to know if he can board the flight to New Zealand for the upcoming two-match Test series, claims a TOI report.

See More: BCCI announces Team India squad for Test series against New Zealand

Ishant had sustained an ankle tear while playing for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha last month.

Earlier, it was reported that he would require six weeks of rest and rehab in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to regain his full fitness.

"Ishant is scheduled to take a fitness test on Feb 14-15. A call on him will be taken after that," Indian team management sources told TOI on Tuesday (February 11).

Last week, the MSK Prasad-led selection panel named Ishant in the 16-man squad for New Zealand Test series but his inclusion was subject to a fitness clearance.

"There are two ways of determining fitness: one is clinical fitness and the other is match fitness. In the clinical test, the player is made to go through all the physical tests like running and agility. But match fitness depends on how rusty the player is. Ishant is working very hard and is determined to reach the 100-Test mark as soon as possible," added the source.

Meanwhile, Team India is gearing up to face New Zealand XI in a three-day practice match from February 14 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

The Test series will kickstart in Wellington from February 21 while Christchurch will host the second Test from February 29.