IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant likely to be ruled out of India vs New Zealand ODI series

Rishabh Pant, the reserve wicketkeeper-batter, is likely to be ruled out of the ODI series after hurting himself while batting during the nets on Saturday at the Baroda Cricket Association International Stadium.

Pant suffered a side-strain after copping a blow while batting against a side-armer towards the end of a long stint in the nets at the ‘B’ ground. While Pant grimaced in pain, all the Indian contingent that had turned up for the optional practice session, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, rushed to him in concern.

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Sportstar understands that the heavy bruising has resulted in a side-strain injury and the preliminary diagnosis by the team’s medical staff is that it will take at least 10 days to heal. As a result, Pant is unlikely to be available for selection for any of the three ODIs.

Chairman of the national selection panel Ajit Agarkar was also at the nets session. Ishan Kishan, who has been recalled to the T20I set-up after two years, is likely to be called up to the squad as the reserve wicketkeeper for the last two ODIs. An official announcement is expected on Sunday, ahead of the first ODI.

Published on Jan 10, 2026