Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of IND vs NZ ODI Series

Team India faces a massive setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting today in Vadodara. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out after picking up a right-sided abdominal strain during practice on Saturday.

Pant was batting in the nets when he got hit just above the waist/ribs by a throwdown specialist delivery. He grimaced in pain, received immediate attention from physio and coach Gautam Gambhir, but scans confirmed an internal oblique muscle tear.

The BCCI medical team, after MRI and consultation with expert Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, declared the injury serious enough to sideline him completely from the series.

Injury Details & Impact

• How it happened: Sudden discomfort in right lateral abdominal area while facing throwdowns in extended nets session at BCA Stadium, Vadodara.
• Diagnosis: Right-sided strain with oblique muscle tear – no scans initially in city, but detailed assessment ruled him out.
• Next steps: Pant leaves Indian camp Sunday morning, reports to BCCI Centre of Excellence for rest, rehab, and further evaluation.

This comes after Pant’s long recovery journey from 2022 car accident, plus recent toe/finger issues. He hasn’t played ODI since Sri Lanka tour mid-2024 (scored 6 runs in one game). KL Rahul remains first-choice keeper.

Dhruv Jurel (young UP talent, strong Vijay Hazare form) named replacement and has joined squad – potential debut opportunity.

Fan Reactions & Wishes Pour In

#PantInjury and #GetWellSoonPant trend nationwide with emotional messages.

Here’s the buzz:

🚨 RISHABH RULED OUT 🚨 Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the ODI series against NZ with a side strain and Dhruv Jurel is likely to replace him in the squad 🇮🇳 @BCCI #RishabhPant #IndianCricketTeam #INDvsNZ #Cricket

— the_cricket_web (@the_cricket_web) January 11, 2026

And another heartfelt update:

🚨 BREAKING | IND vs NZ ODI Series 🚨 Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain (oblique muscle tear) sustained during practice in Vadodara. 👉 Dhruv Jurel has been named as his replacement. Wishing Pant a speedy recovery 💙🇮🇳 #RishabhPant #INDvsNZ #TeamIndia #DhruvJurel

— Manas Dubey (@MANASDU06413436) January 11, 2026

Pant likely next seen in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants. Series continues: Rajkot (Jan 14), Indore (Jan 18).

Get well soon, Pant – Team India and fans miss your fire! Stay tuned to HotBuzz for more cricket updates.