Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the India vs New Zealand ODI series after suffering a rib injury during training ahead of the Vadodara opener.
During training, Pant faced deliveries from a throwdown specialist when he was struck above the waist by a sharp delivery. (File Photo)
India has suffered an early setback ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three-match contest due to an injury sustained during a training session. The incident occurred on the eve of the opening ODI, scheduled to be played on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara.
Pant’s injury comes at an unfortunate time, with India beginning their first international assignment of 2026. The left-hander picked up the knock during India’s optional practice session, casting immediate doubt over his availability for the series.
During training, Pant faced deliveries from a throwdown specialist when he was struck above the waist by a sharp delivery. The impact caused visible discomfort, forcing him to collapse on the ground in pain. Medical staff quickly attended to him, and he underwent further assessment soon after.
Following scans and clinical evaluation, the team management concluded that the injury was serious enough to rule him out of the ODI series entirely.
A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided details of the injury, saying, “Scans and assessment by the team doctor showed that Rishabh copped a blow on the ribcage on the right side and a side strain has been detected, thus ruling him out of this ODI series against New Zealand.”
The exact recovery timeline remains unclear at this stage. Officials are expected to closely monitor his condition, with further updates on the nature of the injury and his return to action to be shared in due course.
With Pant unavailable, the BCCI will now move quickly to name a replacement for the wicketkeeper-batter in the ODI squad. Pant was part of the team primarily as a backup wicketkeeper, with KL Rahul currently the first-choice option behind the stumps.
Pant is expected to leave the squad on Sunday, the same day as the series opener. An official confirmation from the BCCI regarding his exclusion and replacement is likely soon.
Pant’s absence may not directly impact India’s playing XI, as he has struggled to cement a spot in the ODI side over the past year. Since August 2024, when he last played an ODI against Sri Lanka, Pant has largely remained on the bench in the 50-over format.
With Rahul preferred as the wicketkeeper and India’s batting order largely settled, Pant’s opportunities in ODIs have been limited. However, his experience and explosive batting ability still make him a valuable squad member, particularly in long tours and multi-format series.
India will now rely on their existing squad depth to manage Pant’s absence. The focus will remain on senior batters and the bowling unit as the team looks to start the series on a strong note at home. For Pant, the priority will be recovery and regaining full fitness before the upcoming international assignments.
As India prepares to face New Zealand, the team will hope this injury remains a minor setback rather than a long-term concern for one of their most dynamic cricketers.
