Rishabh Pant ruled out of India A’s first two matches against New Zealand A, Kumar Kushagra named replacement
Cricketer Rishabh Pant (ANI Photo) Rishabh Pant’s injury has forced a change in India’s preparations for their upcoming red-ball tour of New Zealand. Kumar Kushagra was named as his replacement in the first two matches in the wicket. Initially picked on fitness, Pant was ruled out after suffering a strain in his left side during the Irani Cup, leaving his availability for the third match uncertain.
Pant was ruled out of the first two matches of the Irani Cup due to injury
Pant kept the tension on the left-hand side while captaining the rest of India in the Irani Cup, prompting the selectors to make a change in the India A squad. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s participation in the tour of New Zealand was subject to medical clearance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant remains under the supervision of his medical team and is recovering well. A decision on whether he can play in the third game will be made at a later date.Kushagra will join the Dhruv Jurel-led India A squad for the three-match multi-day series against New Zealand A starting on October 24. The tour will give the Indian players valuable preparation with the red ball in New Zealand conditions.
India A vs New Zealand A: Complete Schedule
India A will play three multi-day matches against New Zealand A across two venues, starting the series in Lincoln before moving to Christchurch for the second match.MatchDates Date of event1. multi-day match 24-27 October 2026Lincoln2. multi-day match October 31–3 November 2026Christchurch3. multi-day match 7-10 November 2026Lincoln
India Team to tour New Zealand
- Captain: Dhruv Jurel
- Goalkeepers: Dhruv Jurel, Kumar Kushagra (first and second matches)
- Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod
- All-rounders: Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar
- Bowlers: Akash Deep, Mukesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar
Kushagra’s inclusion adds another defensive option to the squad for the opening two matches while the selectors wait for further clarity on Pant’s recovery.
Senior players add experience to the India A setup
There are several players with senior international experience in the squad including KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. Their presence should bolster the batting and bowling units as India A prepares for a tough assignment overseas.Jurel’s leadership will also be important as the side sail through three multi-day matches in New Zealand.