Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of ODI Series Against New Zealand Due to Injury

Rishabh Pant's Injury Impact on Team India

Team India has faced a significant setback as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been sidelined from the ODI series against New Zealand due to an injury sustained just before the first match at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. This series is crucial for the Men in Blue as they gear up for the 2027 World Cup.

Pant was selected as a backup wicketkeeper, with KL Rahul being the primary choice in the ODI lineup. However, as the team, led by Shubman Gill, prepared for the series opener, they encountered this unfortunate injury to Pant during a practice session.

Details of the Injury

During an extensive batting practice with a throwdown specialist, Pant was struck below the waist while attempting a defensive shot. The impact caused him to collapse in pain, prompting immediate concern from the throwdown specialist and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who rushed to assist him.

Medical personnel quickly attended to Pant, who was visibly in distress and struggled to walk due to the injury.

Social Media Reactions

Heartbreaking moments were captured when Rishabh Pant was seen in tears following his injury, while teammates Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill appeared to overlook him during the incident. This emotional scene was shared widely on social media.

Injury Diagnosis and Previous Setbacks

Reports indicate that scans revealed a blow to Pant's right ribcage, resulting in a side strain that has led to his exclusion from the ODI series against New Zealand. This marks another injury setback for Pant, who previously missed matches due to a fractured foot sustained during a Test against England.

Before this injury, Pant had made a successful return to the field, scoring 212 runs in seven innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Potential Replacements for Pant

With Pant's official withdrawal from the ODI series, Ishan Kishan is expected to step in as his replacement. Kishan had a remarkable performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to its first title and finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 517 runs.

Additionally, Dhruv Jurel is also a contender for Pant's spot, having scored 558 runs at an impressive average of 93 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to issue a formal announcement regarding Pant's injury prior to the series opener against New Zealand.