In a significant blow to the Indian cricket team, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming One Day International series against New Zealand. The injury occurred during a practice session in Vadodara on Saturday, just a day before the series opener.
How the Injury Occurred
The 28-year-old left-handed batsman sustained the injury late in a long batting session at the BCA B ground. Pant was hit just above his waist, on the ribs, by a delivery from a throwdown specialist. The impact caused a right-sided strain with an internal oblique muscle tear. He was immediately attended to by the support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, and left the ground visibly in pain after receiving treatment.
Official Diagnosis and Immediate Impact
A reliable source confirmed the severity of the injury to the Times of India. Pant has been officially diagnosed with a right-sided strain with an internal oblique muscle tear, which has led to his exclusion from the entire ODI series against New Zealand. While KL Rahul is the regular wicketkeeper in the ODI setup, the national selectors are expected to announce a replacement for Pant soon.
Pant's Recent Comeback Trail
This setback is particularly unfortunate as Pant was on a path of steady comeback. He last played an ODI for India against Sri Lanka in July 2024. Although he was part of the triumphant Champions Trophy squad in 2025, he did not get a chance to play a single match in the tournament.
More recently, he led Delhi in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his form with two half-centuries against Services and Railways. This series was a part of his return to competitive cricket after recovering from a toe fracture he suffered during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. He had subsequently played in the two-Test series against South Africa at home.
The Indian team management will now have to recalibrate their plans for the New Zealand series without one of their most dynamic match-winners. Fans and team members alike will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for the talented cricketer.
