Kumar Kushagra has been named as the replacement for injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the India A squad for the first two matches of the tour against New Zealand. The decision follows Pant’s left side strain, which ruled him out of the initial fixtures. Kushagra, a left-handed batter and wicketkeeper, will join the squad for the upcoming games.
The India A team is set to play two matches against New Zealand, with the first game scheduled for early next week. The squad was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in response to Pant’s injury. No further details were provided on the extent of Pant’s injury or the timeline for his return.
This is the second time Kushagra has been called up to the India A squad this year. He previously played in the Asia Cup 2022 qualifiers. His inclusion adds depth to the team’s batting and wicketkeeping options. The BCCI has not commented on the long-term implications of Pant’s injury.
Pant, 26, has been a key player for India in both Tests and limited-overs formats. His absence will be a significant loss for the team, particularly in the middle order. The selection of Kushagra reflects the BCCI’s strategy to maintain competitive depth in the squad.
The India A team’s tour to New Zealand is part of the broader preparations for international fixtures. The matches will be played under the supervision of the BCCI’s coaching staff. The exact venues and dates for the games have not been disclosed.
The injury comes amid a busy schedule for Indian cricketers, with multiple international tours and domestic competitions ongoing. The BCCI continues to manage player fitness and workload carefully. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining a consistent squad in high-pressure international cricket.
