Rishabh Pant left India’s optional training session in Vadodara on Saturday after suffering a blow during net practice, raising fresh fitness concerns just hours before the first ODI against New Zealand. The keeper-batter had arrived in the city after representing Delhi in the last group match of the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy and chose to train rather than rest ahead of the series opener.
How the injury happened
During throwdowns at Ground B of the BCA Stadium, Pant was struck just above the hips. He felt a sharp pain immediately, and the team’s medical staff rushed on to the field. Players and support staff gathered around as Pant walked off the turf with two medics accompanying him. Video clips circulating on social media showed him leaving the nets gingerly, prompting concern among supporters.
Team reaction and behind-the-scenes talks
Shortly after the incident, India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill was seen in a lengthy discussion with chief selector Ajit Agarkar. While the exact subject of their conversation was not disclosed, it likely touched on Pant’s condition and team composition ahead of the match.
Several senior players were part of the optional session: Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. Rohit spent time off the nets, offering batting tips to Siraj while other players continued their practice routines.
India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (vc)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Prasidh Krishna
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
India vs New Zealand ODI schedule
| Day | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | January 11 | 1st ODI | Vadodara |
| Wednesday | January 14 | 2nd ODI | Rajkot |
| Sunday | January 18 | 3rd ODI | Indore |
What to expect next
The team’s medical staff are likely to run further assessments before the final playing XI is confirmed. With KL Rahul listed as an alternate wicket-keeper in the squad, India have internal cover, but any decision on Pant’s availability will depend on scans and the medical team’s clearance. The final call is expected closer to match time.
Fans will be watching closely for updates, hoping the injury is minor and that Pant recovers quickly to take his place in the middle order and behind the stumps for the series opener in Vadodara.