Rishabh Pant ruled out of first two India A Tests against New Zealand
Rishabh Pant ruled out of first two India A Tests; Kumar Kushagra named replacement.
Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A. The series begins on October 24 in Lincoln. Pant sustained a left side strain while leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup.
The BCCI said Pant remains under medical care and is recovering. A decision on his availability for the third match will be taken later. Kumar Kushagra has been named as his replacement for the first two matches.
The first Test will be played at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. The series then moves to Hagley Oval in Christchurch before returning to Lincoln for the third match. India A's updated squad includes Dhruv Jurel as captain and wicketkeeper.
CricHubb Take
Pant led Rest of India to the Irani Cup just weeks ago. His absence now hands Kushagra a direct shot at cementing a spot ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction, where Pant's trade to Delhi Capitals has already shifted the LSG captaincy market.