India, Oct. 13 -- Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the India A squad for the two matches of the New Zealand tour after failing to recover in time. The BCCI has announced Kumar Kushagra as his replacement after his impressive form in the recent matches, which include centuries in the Duleep Trophy final and India A match against Australia A.

Pant was picked in the India A tour to New Zealand, subject to fitness, after he sustained a left-side strain while leading the Rest of India squad in the Irani Cup.

His availability for the third match is still uncertain. The BCCI will decide after assessing him, as he remains under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.

"He remains under the care of the BCCI Medical Team and is recovering well. A de...