Cricketer Rishabh Pant (ANI Photo)
Kushagra will join an India A squad led by Dhruv Jurel for the three-match multi-day series against New Zealand A, which begins on October 24. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant remains under the supervision of its medical team and is recovering well. Rishabh Pant’s injury has forced a change to India’s preparations for their upcoming red-ball tour of New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra named as his replacement for the first two matches. Pant, who was initially selected subject to fitness, has been ruled out after sustaining a left-side strain during the Irani Cup, leaving his availability for the third fixture uncertain. Pant sustained the left-side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup, prompting the selectors to make a change to the India A squad. The wicketkeeper-batter’s participation in the New Zealand tour had been subject to fitness clearance. A decision on whether he can feature in the third match will be taken at a later stage. The tour will provide India’s players with valuable red-ball preparation in New Zealand conditions. Captain: Dhruv Jurel Kushagra’s inclusion adds another wicketkeeping option to the squad for the opening two matches, while the selectors await further clarity on Pant’s recovery.