India Faces Injury Worry Ahead of First ODI Against New Zealand as Key Batter Exits Nets in Discomfort | Cricket News

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Rishabh Pant’s Injury Concern

NEW DELHI: Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was briefly treated after being struck above his waist during net practice as India finalized preparations for the three-ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Sunday at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium. Pant was batting against Indian throwdown specialists when he copped the blow, making him grimace in pain. The team’s support staff promptly attended to him, and head coach Gautam Gambhir was present during the treatment.

Practice Matches and Player Interactions

After receiving initial attention, Pant walked off the field of Ground B at the BCA Stadium. Meanwhile, India captain Shubman Gill was seen engaged in a discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. During the optional training session on Saturday, former India captain Rohit Sharma provided tips to pacer Mohammed Siraj, who was struggling during his batting stint.

Additional Training Highlights

Other players, including India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who recently captained Mumbai in a narrow one-run loss to Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, batted alongside KL Rahul. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also had a batting session in the nets. Notably, Pant, Iyer, and Siraj had all participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for their respective state teams, with their last matches occurring on January 8.

Upcoming Series Against New Zealand

The three-ODI series against a revamped New Zealand squad begins in Baroda, with the second ODI scheduled for January 14 at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, followed by the final match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

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