Team India Hit by Setback Ahead of New Zealand Series, Rishabh Pant Ruled Out
Wicketkeeper-batter sidelined with side strain after injury during practice session in Vadodara
Vadodara: Team India suffered a major blow ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series due to a right-side strain.
During India’s optional practice session at the BCA B Ground, Pant looked organised and comfortable during his batting stint, which lasted around 50 minutes. However, while facing a delivery from a throwdown specialist, he was struck above the waist, after which he experienced discomfort.
Due to severe pain, Pant immediately dropped to his knees and was attended to by members of the support staff before being escorted out of the nets. Sources familiar with the development told IANS on Saturday, “Scans and assessment by the team doctor have revealed that Rishabh has sustained an injury to the ribs on his right side and has been diagnosed with a side strain. As a result, he has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand.”
Pant is expected to take several days of rest before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitation. He had joined the ODI squad after leading Delhi in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) league stage in Bengaluru.
Pant scored two half-centuries against Services and Railways, helping Delhi qualify for the knockout stage. This marks the second time he has been sidelined due to injury. Earlier, he suffered a fracture in his right leg during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. He made his comeback last November through a two-match home Test series against South Africa.
Pant has been part of India’s ODI setup for the last two years, but last featured in the 50-over format during the Sri Lanka tour in August 2024. Ahead of the New Zealand series, there was speculation over his place in the squad, but the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee had retained him.
With Pant now ruled out, the Indian team management will have to look for a replacement. Based on strong performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Dhruv Jurel is a leading contender, while Ishan Kishan, who featured in the T20 World Cup, is also in contention.
India’s ODI series against New Zealand will begin at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, which is set to host its first-ever men’s international match. The second ODI will be played on January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, while the third and final match will take place on January 18 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
