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

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of India A’s first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A after sustaining a left-side strain during the Irani Cup. The BCCI said he remains under medical care and a decision on the third match will be taken later.

Kumar Kushagra replaces Pant for the opening two matches. Dhruv Jurel will captain the side in Pant’s absence.

The first unofficial Test begins on October 24 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. The second match is in Christchurch from October 31 to November 3, with the third returning to Lincoln from November 7 to 10.