Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of First Two Tests Due to Injury

India A have suffered a setback ahead of their three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A, with star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ruled out of the first two matches due to injury. Pant sustained a rib injury during the recently concluded Irani Cup. Although he was initially selected for the first two Tests subject to fitness clearance, the severity of the injury has prevented him from receiving the required clearance.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has been named as Pant’s replacement in the India A squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that a decision on Pant’s availability for the third match would be taken in due course. The three-match unofficial Test series between New Zealand A and India A is scheduled to begin on the 24th of this month, ahead of the Indian senior team’s tour of New Zealand.