The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter is currently under the supervision of the medical team. While he is reportedly recovering well, his participation in the third and final match of the series remains uncertain, with a final decision to be made at a later date.
Squad Adjustments and Series Outlook
In response to Pant's injury, the selectors have called up wicketkeeper-batter
The India A squad features a blend of youth and senior international experience, including players such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Washington Sundar. This mix of talent is expected to bolster the team's batting and bowling depth as they prepare for the challenging conditions in New Zealand.
Tour Schedule and Preparation
The three-match series is set to begin on October 24, 2026, in Lincoln. The tour serves as a critical period of red-ball preparation for the players, with the itinerary split between two venues. Following the opening match in Lincoln, the teams will head to Christchurch for the second fixture, which is scheduled to run from October 31 to November 3. The series will then conclude with a final match back in Lincoln from November 7 to 10.
The full India A squad for the tour includes Dhruv Jurel as captain, alongside batters Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Yash Rathod. The all-rounder contingent features Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj, and Manav Suthar, while the bowling attack is rounded out by Akash Deep, Mukesh Choudhary, and Mukesh Kumar.
