India Lose Key Wicketkeeper-Batter Before ODI Opener
Indian cricket suffered a significant blow on the eve of the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, with star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ruled out of the entire tour due to an injury sustained during a practice session in Vadodara. Pant was expected to play a pivotal role for India with both bat and gloves before the setback.
Injury During Net Session Forces Early Exit
Pant was injured during an extended batting session at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) nets when he was struck just above the waist by a delivery from a throwdown specialist. The left-handed batter immediately felt sharp discomfort and was attended to by team support staff, including coaches, before leaving the field. Subsequent scans revealed a right-side strain, ruling him out of all three ODIs.
Medical Prognosis And Rehabilitation Plans
Following the diagnosis of a side strain, Pant is set to rest for several days before reporting to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitation. The injury comes as Pant was building form coming into the series after representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored key runs in the league stage.
Impact On India’s Playing XI
Pant’s absence creates a gap in both India’s batting lineup and wicketkeeping department. With the first ODI due to begin in Vadodara on January 11, the team management is likely to consider alternative options behind the stumps and reshuffle batting positions to compensate for the loss of experience and aggression that Pant typically brings.
Pant’s Recent ODI Involvement And Outlook
The 28-year-old last represented India in an ODI during the Sri Lanka tour in 2024. Although part of subsequent squads, he had not featured in the 50-over XI owing to various circumstances. This injury further prolongs his challenging run in ODI cricket, with the focus now shifting to recovery and a return to competitive action in future series
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