NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a major setback on Saturday after picking up a side strain during a training session in Vadodara, ruling him out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting Sunday.Pant was batting for an extended period in the nets when he was struck on the ribs, just above the waist, by a delivery from a throwdown specialist late in his session.
Support staff rush in as Pant grimaces in painThe 28-year-old was immediately attended to by members of India’s support staff, with head coach Gautam Gambhir also present at the BCA Stadium’s Ground B. Pant was seen grimacing in discomfort as treatment was administered on the field.After receiving initial medical attention, Pant walked off the ground but did not resume training.Medical diagnosis confirms series-ending injuryA medical assessment later confirmed the severity of the injury.“He has been diagnosed with a right-sided strain with internal oblique muscle tear, and has thus been ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against New Zealand,” a reliable source told TOI.With Pant unavailable, the selectors are expected to announce a replacement soon. KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI setup.Gill-Agarkar conversation draws attentionFollowing Pant’s exit from the nets, India captain Shubman Gill was seen engaged in a lengthy discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar at the venue, underlining the sudden nature of the setback ahead of the series opener.Pant’s recent cricketing journeyPant last featured in an ODI against Sri Lanka in July 2024. Although part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2025, he did not play a match. He recently led Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries against Services and Railways.The left-hander had made a return to competitive cricket after recovering from a toe fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester.Jurel replaces PantDhruv Jurel has been named as Pant’s replacement in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in fine form for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and joined the Indian team on Saturday night.India gear up for series openerThe ODI series against a revamped New Zealand side will begin at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, which will host its first men’s international match. The second and third ODIs will be played in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, respectively.