The much awaited ODI series in between India and New Zealand It started today at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Indian captain after winning the toss Shubman Gill he chose the bowl first. However, this statement of the team caused surprises Rishabh pants was absent in game 11.
This is the reason why Rishabh Pant did not play his first ODI
It may be noted that before the match, BCCI clarified that Pant was ruled out of the entire three-match series. The news came as a huge blow to India and dampened spirits among fans who thronged the Vadodara venue. The injury occurred during India’s practice session yesterday (Saturday, January 10). According to the BCCI medical team, Pant felt a “sudden discomfort” in the right side of his abdomen while hitting the net.
Reports indicate that he was hit in the chest/side by the fall specialist during the extended session. He was immediately taken for scans, which revealed a lateral strain (oblique muscle tear). Given the nature of side strains that usually require several weeks of rehabilitation, Pant was declared unfit for the series. He is expected to report to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CEC) for rehabilitation.
Also READ: Shubman Gill on T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion as India prepares for New Zealand ODIs
KL will remain in place of Rahul Pant
In the absence of pants, the focus changes firmly KL Rahul. Already a vital cog in India’s ODI set-up, Rahul will now don the wicketkeeper’s gloves for the series. Rahul is no stranger to this dual role. He has successfully kept wickets for India in ODIs in the past, providing balance to the side and allowing the team to play the extra stroke or all-rounder. His experience and composure behind the stumps will be crucial against a tough New Zealand batting line-up. The situation presents yet another opportunity for Rahul to cement his position as India’s all-rounder ‘Mr Reliable’, anchoring the innings and shouldering his responsibilities.
Dhruv Jurel was appointed as a replacement
The Men’s Election Committee moved quickly to name Dhruv Jurel As a substitute for pant. The 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper has been in sensational form in the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Jurel scored 558 runs in just seven matches in 50-over domestic tournaments at an average of over 90, including two centuries. His ability to finish games and handle pressure – traits he has shown earlier in Test cricket – made him a logical choice to strengthen the squad. Jurel has already contacted the team in Vadodara.
Playing XI for both sides
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Christian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok
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