Rishabh Pant ruled out of first two India A matches against New Zealand A

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two matches of India A’s upcoming three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A due to a left-side strain. The injury was sustained while Pant was captaining the Rest of India during the Irani Cup.

The BCCI confirmed that Pant is currently under the supervision of their medical team and is recovering well. A decision regarding his availability for the third and final match, scheduled for November 7, will be made at a later stage.

Kumar Kushagra, a 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, has been named as Pant’s replacement for the opening two fixtures. Dhruv Jurel, the India A captain, is expected to serve as the primary wicketkeeper for the first two games. The series, which begins on October 24 in Lincoln, serves as critical preparation for India’s upcoming Test assignments in New Zealand and their World Test Championship campaign.