The much-awaited ODI collection between India and New Zealand kicked off on the BCA Stadium in Vadodara immediately. After profitable the toss, India skipper Shubman Gill selected to bowl first. Nevertheless, the staff announcement sparked shock as Rishabh Pant was lacking from the enjoying XI.
Right here’s why Rishabh Pant is just not enjoying the primary ODI
Notably, forward of the match BCCI clarified that Pant had been dominated out of the whole three-match collection. The information got here as a serious blow for India and dampened the temper amongst followers who had turned up in massive numbers on the Vadodara venue. The harm occurred throughout India’s observe session yesterday (Saturday, January 10). In keeping with the BCCI medical staff, Pant felt a ‘sudden onset of discomfort’ in his proper lateral belly space whereas batting within the nets.
Reviews point out he was struck on the ribcage/aspect by a supply from a throwdown specialist throughout an prolonged session. He was instantly taken for scans, which revealed a aspect pressure (indirect muscle tear). Given the character of aspect strains, which generally require a number of weeks of rehabilitation, Pant was declared unfit for the collection. He’s anticipated to report back to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for rehabilitation.
Additionally READ: Shubman Gill speaks out on T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion as India gears up for New Zealand ODIs
KL Rahul to maintain rather than Pant
In Pant’s absence, the highlight shifts firmly to KL Rahul. Already a significant cog in India’s ODI setup, Rahul will now don the wicketkeeping gloves for the collection. Rahul isn’t any stranger to this twin position. He has efficiently saved wickets for India in ODIs beforehand, offering stability to the aspect and permitting the staff to play an additional batter or all-rounder. His expertise and quietness behind the stumps can be essential towards a difficult New Zealand batting lineup. This example presents one other alternative for Rahul to cement his spot as India’s versatile “Mr. Reliable” within the center order, anchoring the innings whereas shouldering the preserving obligations.
Dhruv Jurel named alternative
The Males’s Choice Committee has moved rapidly to call Dhruv Jurel as Pant’s alternative. The 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter has been in sensational type within the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Jurel has amassed 558 runs in simply seven matches within the home 50-over match, averaging over 90, together with two centuries. His potential to complete video games and deal with stress—traits he has beforehand proven in Take a look at cricket—made him the logical option to bolster the squad. Jurel has already linked up with the staff in Vadodara.
Taking part in XI for each side
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 Younger, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok
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