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

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 ruled out of first two matches after Irani Cup injuryPant 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. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant remains under the supervision of its medical team and is recovering well.