Rishabh Pant Leaves Team India Squad Ahead of IND vs NZ ODI Series, Reason Revealed

The Indian cricket team suffered a huge blow ahead of the much-awaited three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first match of the series is set to be played on Sunday, January 11, at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. However, on the eve of the first game, India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series.

Rishabh Pant Injury Update

Rishabh Pant was recently in action in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, leading Delhi. However, he joined the Indian cricket team in Vadodara for the IND vs NZ ODI series. During the practice session on Saturday, Pant was hit just above his waist. He was immediately attended by support staff members, including the head coach, Gautam Gambhir.

It is now being reported that Pant has been diagnosed with right-sided strain with an internal oblique muscle tear, due to which he has been ruled out of the series.

Rishabh Pant injury opens the door for other players who have been eyeing a spot in the ODI squad. BCCI haven't announced Rishabh Pant replacement, but players like Devdutt Padikkal or Dhruv Jurel would be hoping to get a place.

Who could be Rishabh Pant replacement?

With Risabh Pant being ruled out of the series, there's a spot vacant in the 15-member squad. As we have mentioned above, players like Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, who have been consistently performing in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, are likely to get a place. Padikkal is currently the highest run-scorer in the VHT 2025-26 with 640 runs in seven matches at a magnificent average of 91.43, including four centuries as well. Jurel sits at the No. 4 spot with 558 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 93, including two centuries.

However, there's another player who is scripting his comeback in the national team. We're talking about one of the best wicketkeepers in India, Ishan Kishan, who has been included in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. But there are also possibilities of Kishan being included in the ODI squad as well, since he also brings the wicketkeeping option to the team. For the unverse, Kishan is also one of the few players who have an ODI double hundred.