New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- Wicketkeeper/batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two matches of India A's tour of New Zealand due to a left-side strain sustained while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup.

He is recovering under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team, with a decision on his availability for the third match to be taken later. Kumar Kushagra has been named as his replacement for the first two games.

"Rishabh Pant, whose availability for the India A tour of New Zealand was subject to fitness, has been ruled out of the first two matches. The wicketkeeper-batter had sustained a left-side strain while leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He remains under the care of the BCCI Medical Team and is recovering well...