What led to Rishabh Pant’s exclusion against New Zealand? A detailed breakdown of the India wicketkeeper-batter’s situation | Cricket News

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of ODI Series Against New Zealand

Injury During Training Session

NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant faced a significant setback on Saturday. He suffered a side strain during a training session in Vadodara, leading to his exclusion from the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is set to commence on Sunday.

Incident Details

Pant was engaged in an extended practice when he was struck on the ribs by a delivery from a throwdown specialist late in his session. This unexpected incident raised immediate concerns.

Medical Attention Administered

Members of India’s support staff rushed to tend to Pant as he grimaced in pain. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was present at BCA Stadium’s Ground B, where treatment was administered promptly on the field. Following initial medical assistance, Pant walked off but did not return to training.

Diagnosis: Series-Ending Injury

A subsequent medical assessment confirmed the injury’s severity. “He has been diagnosed with a right-sided strain with an internal oblique muscle tear, ruling him out of the ODI series against New Zealand,” a reliable source informed . Given his unavailability, selectors will likely announce a replacement soon. KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper for the ODI setup.

Leadership Conversations

After Pant exited the field, India captain Shubman Gill engaged in a detailed discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. This conversation highlighted the unexpected nature of the injury just before the series opener.

Pant’s Cricketing Journey

Before this incident, Pant last played in an ODI against Sri Lanka in July 2024. While he was part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2025, he did not participate in any matches. Recently, he led Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries against Services and Railways. This injury interrupts his return to competitive cricket following a toe fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England.

Dhruv Jurel Named Replacement

In response to Pant’s injury, Dhruv Jurel has been appointed as his replacement for the ODI series against New Zealand. Jurel has shown impressive form for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and joined the Indian team late Saturday night.

Upcoming ODI Series Details

The ODI series against a revamped New Zealand squad will kick off at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, which will host its first men’s international match. The second and third ODIs are scheduled to be held in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, respectively.