India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the first two four-day matches of the India A tour of New Zealand due to a left-side strain. Multiple outlets report that the injury is sustained during the Irani Cup, and Pant remains under the BCCI’s medical care while his recovery continues.
The BCCI names Kumar Kushagra as Pant’s replacement for the opening two matches. ESPN Cricinfo and other reports indicate the decision is based on fitness, with Pant’s availability for the third match left to be assessed later. While the exact wording of the injury description varies slightly across outlets, all sources agree on the core points: the injury affects Pant’s participation in the early part of the tour and Kushagra is added to the squad.
India A’s captain for the tour is Dhruv Jurel, who also takes wicketkeeping duties. Across coverage, India A’s squad is framed as a mix of senior players and younger prospects preparing for the New Zealand series.
