IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant Likely to Miss ODI Series After Suffering Side-Strain Injury

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining an injury during a practice session in Vadodara ahead of the first match.

Pant suffered a side-strain after being struck while batting in the nets during an extended training session. Team medical staff assessed the injury as a result of heavy bruising, with early indications suggesting a recovery period of at least 10 days. This timeline effectively rules him out of contention for all three One Day Internationals.

The incident occurred during an optional practice session, prompting immediate concern from teammates and support staff. Members of the Indian contingent, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, were seen checking on Pant following the injury.

With Pant unlikely to be available, KL Rahul is set to continue as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the series. Ishan Kishan is expected to be added to the squad as a reserve wicketkeeper for the latter part of the series.

An official update from the team management is expected ahead of the first ODI, as India finalises its playing combinations for the series opener against New Zealand.