Injured Pant ruled out of New Zealand ODIs

Rishabh Pant's struggles with injuries continue, with the wicketkeeper ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a side strain during India's practice session in Vadodara on Saturday.

According to a BCCI release, Pant felt a sudden onset of discomfort in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets at the BCA Stadium. He was taken for MRI scans immediately, following which the BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with an expert, diagnosed him with an oblique muscle tear.

Pant was the second-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI squad behind KL Rahul, and while his absence does not create an immediate selection crisis for the series opener, the Men's Selection Committee has named Dhruv Jurel as his replacement. Jurel has already linked up with the Indian squad.

Saturday had been an optional practice day for the Indian team, with Pant opting to have a batting session at the nets when the injury occurred. Several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer, were also present at the session, while skipper Shubman Gill attended after addressing the pre-series media conference.

Pant's latest setback adds to a growing list of injury interruptions in recent years. His career was significantly impacted by a serious car accident in December 2022, which sidelined him for an extended period from international cricket and the IPL. More recently, he endured a finger injury in England last summer, followed by a fracture to his right foot, that limited his involvement in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

*Story updated on January 11 with the news of Dhruv Jurel's inclusion