Kumar Kushagra Steps In for Injured Rishabh Pant in India A's New Zealand Tour

Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two multi-day matches of India A's upcoming tour of New Zealand. Pant sustained a left-side strain while leading the Rest of India in the Irani Cup, prompting the Men's Selection Committee to name Kumar Kushagra as his replacement for these initial fixtures.

The India A squad was originally announced on October 6, 2026, with Pant included. Following his injury, the BCCI confirmed that Kushagra will cover wicketkeeping duties for the opening two multi-day games. Dhruv Jurel will continue as captain of the India A side throughout the tour. The schedule for the three multi-day matches against New Zealand A includes the first from October 24 to 27 in Lincoln, the second from October 31 to November 3 in Christchurch, and the third from November 7 to 10 back in Lincoln.

Pant is currently under the care of the board's medical team and is reportedly recovering well, though no specific details regarding the severity of his left-side strain have been released. A decision on his availability for the third India A match, scheduled for November 7 to 10 in Lincoln, will be made at a later stage, leaving his participation in that fixture open.

Kumar Kushagra's inclusion ensures a like-for-like replacement for Pant, given his role as a wicketkeeper-batter. He joins the squad specifically for the Lincoln and Christchurch multi-day fixtures and is listed as the designated wicketkeeper for those two games. The rest of the India A squad remains as originally announced, featuring a blend of experienced domestic performers and younger talent, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Washington Sundar.

What to watch: Pant's recovery and potential return for the final match.

Editor's note: The draft accurately incorporates all relevant details from the source, including the specific dates, replacement personnel, and the status of the third match.