India A has ruled out Rishabh Pant for the first two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A, removing the senior wicketkeeper from the immediate squad and affecting the side’s plans for those fixtures.
Jharkhand wicketkeeper‑batter Kumar Kushagra has been named as Pant’s replacement and will travel to New Zealand with the side, joining the squad for the pair of unofficial Test matches.
The reshuffle gives Kushagra, a Jharkhand product, an early international exposure ahead of potential senior selections while India A adjusts its preparations for the series. It also signals India A’s focus on evaluating emerging talent for future tours.
