This is why Rishabh Pant is not playing the first ODI
Notably, BCCI clarified ahead of the match that Pant had been ruled out of the entire three-match series. The news came as a major blow to India and dampened the mood among the fans who had come in large numbers to the Vadodara venue. The injury occurred yesterday (Saturday, January 10) during training in India. According to the BCCI medical team, Pant felt a ‘sudden discomfort’ in his right lateral abdominal region while hitting the nets.
Reports indicate he was hit in the ribcage/side by a delivery from a throwdown specialist during a lengthy session. He was immediately taken for scans, which revealed a lateral strain (oblique muscle tear). Given the nature of the side strains, which typically require several weeks of rehabilitation, Pant was declared unfit for the series. He is expected to report to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) for rehabilitation.
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KL Rahul to keep Pant in place
In Pant’s absence, the spotlight shifts firmly to KL Rahul. Already a vital part of the Indian ODI setup, Rahul will now don the wicket-keeping gloves for the series. Rahul is no stranger to this dual role. He has previously successfully kept wickets for India in ODIs, providing balance and allowing the team to play an extra batsman or all-rounder. His experience and composure behind the stumps will be crucial against a tough New Zealand batting line-up. This situation presents another opportunity for Rahul to cement his place as India’s versatile “Mr. Dependable” in the middle order, anchoring the innings while shouldering the responsibilities.
Dhruv Jurel appointed as replacement
The men’s selection committee quickly moved to appoint the name Dhruv Jurel as Pant’s replacement. The 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman has been in sensational form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Jurel has amassed 558 runs in just seven matches in the domestic 50-over tournament, an average of over 90, including two centuries. His ability to finish games and handle pressure – qualities he has previously shown in Test cricket – made him the logical choice to strengthen the squad. Jurel has already joined the team in Vadodara.
Playing XI for both sides
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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