CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has attracted the selectors’ attention with his recent performances. After scoring centuries in two consecutive matches, Kushagra has been included in the India-A squad for the New Zealand tour in place of injured Rishabh Pant. Pant suffered a left-side strain during the Irani Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on October 12 that Pant will miss the first two matches against New Zealand-A. A decision on his availability for the third match will be taken later.

Kushagra rewarded for strong performances

Kumar Kushagra has delivered impressive performances with the bat in recent matches. He scored a century in the Duleep Trophy final and followed it with another hundred for India-A against Australia-A. His consistent run has presented him as a strong option before the selectors.

Kushagra is capable of contributing with the bat as well as behind the stumps. His performances in the longer format in domestic cricket make him a useful player for the future. However, it would be premature to consider Rishabh Pant permanently out of the team on the basis of one player’s strong performances.

Pant to miss first two matches because of injury

Rishabh Pant suffered a left-side strain while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He was selected for the New Zealand tour keeping his fitness in mind, but he could not become fully fit for the first two matches. According to the BCCI, Pant is under the supervision of the medical team and his recovery is being monitored.

The first multi-day match against New Zealand-A will be played in Lincoln from October 24. The second match will be held in Christchurch from October 31, while the third match is scheduled in Lincoln from November 7. Whether Pant will be able to play the third match will be decided after an assessment of his fitness.

Dhruv Jurel to lead and keep wickets

In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel will captain the India-A team and also handle wicketkeeping duties. Kushagra has been included in the squad for the first two matches. The tour will give Indian players experience of playing red-ball cricket in New Zealand conditions, which could also be important for the future Test team.

Will Pant face a bigger challenge?

Kumar Kushagra’s performances can certainly increase his opportunities. The young wicketkeeper-batter will have a chance to prove himself on the New Zealand tour. For Pant, the most important target for now is to return to the field after regaining full fitness.

Pant’s international experience and batting ability make him one of the important players in the Indian team. Therefore, Kushagra’s current success cannot be treated as a final indication that he has become Pant’s permanent replacement. However, if Kushagra continues to perform well for India-A, his claim could become stronger in future selections for wicketkeeper-batters.

Hashtags: #Sports #Bhopal #KumarKushagra #RishabhPant #IndiaA #NewZealandA #BCCI #DhruvJurel #IraniCup #DuleepTrophy