IND vs NZ: Here’s why Rishabh Pant is not playing the first ODI

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The much-awaited ODI series between India and New Zealand kicked off at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara today. After winning the toss, India skipper Shubman Gill chose to bowl first. However, the team announcement sparked surprise as Rishabh Pant was missing from the playing XI.

Notably, ahead of the match BCCI clarified that Pant had been ruled out of the entire three-match series. The news came as a major blow for India and dampened the mood among fans who had turned up in large numbers at the Vadodara venue. The injury occurred during India’s practice session yesterday (Saturday, January 10). According to the BCCI medical team, Pant felt a ‘sudden onset of discomfort’ in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets.

Reports indicate he was struck on the ribcage/side by a delivery from a throwdown specialist during an extended session. He was immediately taken for scans, which revealed a side strain (oblique muscle tear). Given the nature of side strains, which typically require several weeks of rehabilitation, Pant was declared unfit for the series. He is expected to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for rehabilitation.

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In Pant’s absence, the spotlight shifts firmly to KL Rahul. Already a vital cog in India’s ODI setup, Rahul will now don the wicketkeeping gloves for the series. Rahul is no stranger to this dual role. He has successfully kept wickets for India in ODIs previously, providing balance to the side and allowing the team to play an extra batter or all-rounder. His experience and calmness behind the stumps will be crucial against a tricky New Zealand batting lineup. This situation presents another opportunity for Rahul to cement his spot as India’s versatile “Mr. Dependable” in the middle order, anchoring the innings while shouldering the keeping responsibilities.

The Men’s Selection Committee has moved quickly to name Dhruv Jurel as Pant’s replacement. The 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter has been in sensational form in the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Jurel has amassed 558 runs in just seven matches in the domestic 50-over tournament, averaging over 90, including two centuries. His ability to finish games and handle pressure—traits he has previously shown in Test cricket—made him the logical choice to bolster the squad. Jurel has already linked up with the team in Vadodara.

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 Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok

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