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

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A. The wicketkeeper sustained a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Kumar Kushagra replaces him for the opening two matches, while a decision on Pant's availability for the third fixture will be taken later.

The BCCI confirmed Pant remains under the supervision of its medical team and is recovering well. The three-match series begins on October 24 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, moves to Hagley Oval in Christchurch for the second match, and returns to Lincoln for the final game. India A are led by Dhruv Jurel.

The squad includes KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar and Sai Sudharsan. The series provides red-ball preparation ahead of India's senior Test tour of New Zealand, which starts on November 19.