India’s ODI series against New Zealand has been marred by the news that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out due to injury. The series consists of three matches, and Pant’s absence raises concerns for the team ahead of their first encounter.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury Details
During a recent optional practice session at the BCA B Ground, Pant sustained a right-side strain injury. After batting for nearly 50 minutes, he felt discomfort following a delivery from a throwdown specialist. The incident forced him to leave the nets due to intense pain.
According to sources, medical scans revealed that Pant received a blow to his ribcage, resulting in a side strain. This injury effectively rules him out of the entire ODI series against New Zealand.
Recovery and Impact
Pant is expected to rest for several days before he reports to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further evaluation and rehabilitation. In his recent performances, Pant led Delhi in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy league stage, contributing two half-centuries in key matches.
This injury marks another setback for Pant, who previously dealt with a fractured foot during a Test match against England. He last participated in ODI matches during the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2024.
Squad Adjustments
The Indian team management will now need to find a replacement for Pant. Possible candidates include:
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ishan Kishan
Both players have shown impressive form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and could step in as wicketkeepers for the series.
Series Schedule
The ODI series will kick off at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. This venue will host its first men’s international game. The schedule is as follows:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | January 12 | Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara |
| 2nd ODI | January 14 | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot |
| 3rd ODI | January 18 | Holkar Stadium, Indore |
As India gears up for this crucial series, the absence of Rishabh Pant could significantly affect their performance against the New Zealand team.
