Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of India vs New Zealand ODI Series Due to Side Strain

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand after suffering a side strain during training in Vadodara, dealing India a late blow before the series opener on Sunday.

The setback forces a change in India's plans, with the selectors moving quickly to name Dhruv Jurel as Pant's replacement for the New Zealand ODIs, while KL Rahul continues as the first-choice wicketkeeper in the one-day squad.

Rishabh Pant injury reshapes India squad for New Zealand ODI series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India named Dhruv Jurel in the ODI squad after Pant's withdrawal. Jurel, a wicketkeeper-batter, has been in strong form for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and linked up with the national team on Saturday night, giving the management another option behind the stumps.

A detailed medical check-up later confirmed the diagnosis. "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. The assessment ended any slim hopes of Pant featuring in the remaining matches.

Rishabh Pant injury during Vadodara training session raises concerns

The injury occurred during an extended batting stint in the nets at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium's Ground B. Pant was facing throwdowns when a delivery from a throwdown specialist hit the ribs, just above the waist. Support staff rushed in as Pant showed clear discomfort while receiving treatment on the ground.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was present during the session as staff checked Pant on the field. After the initial care, Pant walked off the ground but did not bat again, and did not return to training, prompting further examination and eventually the medical scan that confirmed the muscle tear.

Pant’s absence also led to a visible shift in the team’s mood at the venue. Soon after Pant left the nets, captain Shubman Gill spent a long time in conversation with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, highlighting the sudden nature of the Rishabh Pant injury and the need to quickly adjust selection plans before the first ODI.

Pant last played an ODI for India against Sri Lanka in July 2024. Pant was part of India's Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2025 but did not appear in any match. Recently, Pant captained Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, hitting half-centuries against Services and Railways after returning from a toe fracture suffered during the fourth Test against England in Manchester.

The ODI series against a revamped New Zealand side will start at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, which is hosting its first men’s international. The remaining matches are scheduled in Rajkot and Indore, as listed below.

India now enter the New Zealand ODI series with Rishabh Pant unavailable, Dhruv Jurel drafted in, and KL Rahul expected to keep wickets, as the team management adjusts quickly to the confirmed internal oblique tear and reshapes plans around the revised squad for the three matches.