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, whose selection was initially subject to fitness clearance, sustained a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The injury has ruled him out of the opening two fixtures, while his availability for the third match remains uncertain.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant is recovering under the supervision of its medical team.
Kushagra will step in for Pant for the first two matches as India adjust their preparations ahead of the red-ball assignment.
A final decision on Pant’s participation in the third fixture will be taken at a later stage, depending on his recovery and fitness.
Pant’s absence is a setback to India’s plans, with the team management now set to assess its wicketkeeping options for the opening matches of the tour.
