Rishabh Pant Faces Injury Scare Ahead of ODI Series Against New Zealand

Rishabh Pant's Injury Concern During Practice

During a recent net practice session, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant required medical attention after sustaining a blow while batting. This incident occurred as the team finalized their preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which kicks off on Sunday.

Pant appeared to be in considerable discomfort after being struck just above his waist while facing Indian throwdown specialists. He was promptly attended to by the team's support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir.

If Pant is deemed unfit to play, it would significantly impact the team's chances in the series starting Sunday.

After receiving initial care, Pant managed to leave the field at the BCA Stadium’s Ground B, where India’s captain Shubman Gill was engaged in a lengthy discussion with the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar.

In another development, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma was seen providing batting advice to pacer Mohammed Siraj during the practice session. Rohit observed Siraj struggling to connect with the ball and stepped in to offer guidance.

Siraj had participated in an optional training session on Saturday, where other team members also practiced.

India's vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who recently led Mumbai in a close one-run defeat against Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, was seen batting alongside KL Rahul, while Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also took their turns in the nets.

All three players, Siraj, Iyer, and Pant, have been actively competing for their respective state teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with their last matches played on January 8.

The ODI series against a revamped New Zealand squad will commence at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, marking its first men’s international match. The second ODI is scheduled for January 14 at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, followed by the final match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.