Team India suffered a big blow ahead of 1st one day international against New Zealand. The Indian wicket keeper, Rishabh Pant, who recently called up for the IND vs NZ ODI series beginning on Januray 11 now has been ruled out from the entire tournament.
According to Sportstak journalist, Pant suffered a freak injury during practice session on Saturday eve in Vadodara. He is reported to have been hit by a ball in the nets and picked up side strain injury. Now, KL Rahul will be the primary wicketkeeping option for Indian side. Although, BCCI is yet to annonuced Rishabh Pant replacement.
Rishabh Pant injury led him ruled out from IND vs NZ series
Rishabh Pant is not playing in the IND vs NZ 1st ODI at B.C.A. International Cricket Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, due to injury. Although there is no official update on Pant’s medical condition as of now, he recently represented the Delhi cricket team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 212 runs at a strike rate of 112.77, including 14 fours and 16 sixes.
🗣️🗣️ We want to play at our full strength
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2026
Captain Shubman Gill on #TeamIndia's approach in ODIs ahead of the #INDvNZ series opener in Vadodara @ShubmanGill | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/XowRHePeLv
Pant could provide balance in the middle order as a wicketkeeper-batsman for India; keeping this in mind, Ajit Agarkar’s led selection committee picked him for the New Zealand series squad.
There is no information available on Rishabh Pant return date to the field.
Ishan Kishan could replace Rishabh Pant
Following Rishabh Pant’s injury, the BCCI is now looking for his replacement as a wicketkeeper-batsman primarily. In this case, the board has two strong options: Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel. Ishan has performed well in the ongoing domestic tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 155 runs at a strike rate of 213.54 in just 3 matches. Whereas Dhruv made an impact by scoring 558 runs in 7 matches, becoming the top scorer in the tournament.
READ MORE: IND vs NZ Commentators: Full Hindi & English Panels Revealed
