Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of ODI Series; Dhruv Jurel Named Replacement

Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand after suffering a side strain during India’s training session in Vadodara.

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a side strain during a net session at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday afternoon. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Dhruv Jurel has been named as Pant’s replacement in the squad.

Pant felt sudden discomfort in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets. The medical team immediately attended to him before sending the left-hander for MRI scans. After a detailed assessment of his clinical and radiological reports, the BCCI Medical Team diagnosed Pant with an oblique muscle tear, commonly referred to as a side strain, which has ruled him out of the series.

ALSO READ | Sanjay Manjrekar Reiterates ‘ODIs Are Easiest Format’ View While Targeting Virat Kohli

The injury scare followed an incident during practice when Pant was seen grimacing in pain after being struck just above the waist while facing throwdown specialists. He received on-field treatment from the support staff, with head coach Gautam Gambhir and other team members checking on him. Pant later walked off from Ground B of the BCA Stadium after initial treatment.

Dhruv Jurel In for NZ ODIs

Jurel will serve as the second wicketkeeping option alongside KL Rahul. The young batter has impressed in recent domestic outings and continues to remain in the national selectors’ plans across formats.

India are set to take on a new-look New Zealand side in the three-match ODI series, which begins in Vadodara. The Baroda Cricket Association Stadium will host its first men’s international match with the opening ODI. The second match will be played at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium on January 14, while the third and final ODI is scheduled to take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Pant’s absence comes as a setback for India, but the team management will hope for a smooth recovery for the wicketkeeper-batter ahead of future assignments.