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Sports Arena Times of India Sports • Oct 12, 2026

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of INDIA A vs New Zealand A Series: Kumar Kushagra Named Substitute

💡 Key Takeaways

•Rishabh Pant ruled out of the first two India A matches against New Zealand A due to an Irani Cup injury.
•Kumar Kushagra named as the direct replacement for Pant in the India A squad.
•Dhruv Jurel will captain the side in the multi-day series starting October 24.

NEW DELHI [NCRBuzz Wire] — **Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been officially ruled out of the opening two multi-day fixtures of the India A tour of New Zealand due to a physical injury sustained during the recent Irani Cup.** Selectors acted swiftly to name young talent Kumar Kushagra as his direct replacement for the initial leg of the series. The tour, featuring highly anticipated red-ball fixtures, is set to get underway on October 24.

### Squad Dynamics & Leadership

**Dhruv Jurel has been retained as the captain of the India A squad, bringing a mix of domestic red-ball experience and international exposure to the leadership role.** The team management confirmed that the squad comprises several established performers aiming to cement their places in the senior Test setup through consistent domestic and A-team performances.

### Match Schedule & Metrics

| Metric / Aspect | Details |

|---|---|

| Affected Player | Rishabh Pant |

| Replacement Player | Kumar Kushagra |

| Tour Opponent | New Zealand A |

| Series Start Date | October 24 |

| Designated Captain | Dhruv Jurel |

| Format | Multi-Day / Red-Ball Matches |

NCRBuzz Wire Desk ✓ Verified Wire

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🏛️ Background Context

India A tours serve as a critical developmental and evaluation bridge for players recovering from injuries or striving for a spot in the senior national Test squad.

💡 Citizen & Commuter Quick Explainer (FAQ)

Q1: Why was Rishabh Pant ruled out of the India A matches?

Rishabh Pant suffered an injury during the domestic Irani Cup, forcing him to miss the opening fixtures against New Zealand A.

Q2: Who has replaced Rishabh Pant in the squad?

Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has been named as the direct substitute for Pant for the first two matches.

Q3: When does the India A vs New Zealand A series begin?

The multi-day series is scheduled to kick off on October 24 under the captaincy of Dhruv Jurel.

Verified Wires: Times of India Sports, Google News Sports, Hindustan Times Cricket Original Wire Dispatch ↗

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