Kumar Kushagra Replaces Injured Rishabh Pant in India A Squad for New Zealand Tour

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two matches of India A’s multi-day series against New Zealand A, with young wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra named as his replacement. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the change on October 12, 2026, following Pant’s recovery from a left-side strain.

The injury occurred while Pant was leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Although the wicketkeeper-batter is recovering under the supervision of the BCCI medical team, his availability for the third match will be decided at a later stage.

Kushagra’s inclusion provides India A with another wicketkeeping option ahead of an important red-ball assignment in New Zealand. The series will also help Indian players prepare for the senior team’s upcoming Test tour.

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out After Irani Cup Injury

Pant’s selection for the India A tour was initially subject to fitness clearance. However, he has not recovered sufficiently to participate in the first two matches.

The BCCI confirmed that Pant remains under the care of its medical team and is making progress in his recovery. The board has not ruled him out of the entire tour, leaving open the possibility of his return for the third fixture if he is fit.

Pant’s absence is a setback for India’s preparations because the matches offer valuable experience of playing red-ball cricket in New Zealand conditions. His availability for the senior Indian team’s subsequent Test series may also attract attention, although his current injury does not automatically mean he will miss that assignment.

For now, the priority will be to ensure that Pant recovers fully before returning to competitive cricket.

Kumar Kushagra Earns Opportunity After Impressive Form

Kumar Kushagra has earned his place in the India A squad following a productive run in first-class cricket.

The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has recently delivered several notable performances in the red-ball format, including a century in the Duleep Trophy final and another hundred against Australia A in Puducherry. His recent form has strengthened his case for selection as India prepare for the New Zealand tour.

Kushagra’s inclusion is limited to the first two matches as Pant’s replacement. His selection gives the team an additional wicketkeeper-batter who can contribute with the bat as well as behind the stumps.

The opportunity could prove important for Kushagra’s development. Exposure to overseas conditions and a multi-day series against New Zealand A would allow him to demonstrate his ability in a challenging environment.

However, selection in the squad does not guarantee a place in the playing XI. His role will depend on the team’s combination and the decisions of the coaching staff.

Dhruv Jurel to Lead India A Against New Zealand A

With Pant unavailable for the opening two games, Dhruv Jurel will continue as India A’s captain and first-choice wicketkeeper for those matches.

Jurel has already gained experience at the international level and in domestic red-ball cricket. His leadership will be important as India A look to build match readiness and adapt to New Zealand’s playing conditions.

The squad also includes established Indian players such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar and Sai Sudharsan. Their presence makes the series a valuable opportunity for players to gain match practice before future international assignments.

India A’s tour is particularly relevant for the country’s Test preparations, as overseas conditions can test batters’ technique and bowlers’ ability to maintain control over extended spells.

India A Tour of New Zealand 2026: Schedule

India A are scheduled to play three multi-day matches against New Zealand A. The fixtures are planned as follows:

Match	Venue	Start date
First multi-day match	Lincoln	October 24, 2026
Second multi-day match	Christchurch	October 31, 2026
Third multi-day match	Lincoln	November 7, 2026

Kushagra is named as Pant’s replacement for the first two matches. The BCCI will assess Pant’s fitness before making a decision about his potential participation in the final fixture.

Updated India A Squad for the First Two Matches

The BCCI announced the following updated squad for the opening two matches against New Zealand A:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• KL Rahul
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Ravichandran Smaran
• Dhruv Jurel (captain and wicketkeeper)
• Washington Sundar
• Auqib Nabi
• Akash Deep
• Anshul Kamboj
• Manav Suthar
• Mukesh Choudhary
• Sai Sudharsan
• Yash Rathod
• Mukesh Kumar
• Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper, first two matches)

Why the India A Series Matters

The tour gives India’s players an opportunity to prepare for the challenges of red-ball cricket in New Zealand. Conditions overseas can demand adjustments in batting technique, patience and bowling strategy, making multi-day matches an important part of preparation.

For Kushagra, the series represents an opportunity to make an impression in a competitive India A setup. For Jurel, it provides a chance to lead the team and contribute as its primary wicketkeeper.

Pant’s recovery will remain an important storyline. His potential participation in the third match depends on medical assessment, and the BCCI has not yet confirmed when he will return to action.

Key Takeaways

• Rishabh Pant will miss the first two India A matches against New Zealand A.
• Pant sustained a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup.
• Kumar Kushagra has been named as his replacement for the opening two matches.
• Kushagra has recently scored centuries in the Duleep Trophy final and against Australia A.
• Dhruv Jurel will lead India A and keep wickets in the opening fixtures.
• Pant’s availability for the third match will be assessed later.
• The India A multi-day series begins on October 24, 2026.

India will hope Pant makes a full recovery, while Kushagra will look to make the most of his opportunity on the New Zealand tour.