The much-anticipated ODI series between India And New Zealand kicked off today at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. After winning the toss, the Indian skipper Shubman Gil chose to bowl first. However, the team’s announcement came as a surprise since Rishabh pants missing from the playing XI.
Here’s why Rishabh Pant is not playing in the first ODI
Notably, before the match, the BCCI clarified that Pant had been ruled out of the entire three-match series. The news came as a big blow to India and dampened the mood among the fans who had come to the Vadodara venue in large numbers. The injury occurred during India’s training session yesterday (Saturday, January 10). According to the BCCI medical team, Pant felt “sudden discomfort” in the right lateral abdominal region while batting in the nets.
Reports indicate he was hit in the ribcage/side by a shot from a pitching specialist during a prolonged session. He was immediately subjected to tests which revealed a lateral strain (oblique muscle tear). Given the nature of side strains, which usually require several weeks of rehabilitation, Pant was declared unfit for the series. He should report to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) for rehabilitation.
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KL Rahul to retain in place of Pant
In Pant’s absence, the spotlight turns to KL Rahul. Already a vital cog in India’s ODI set-up, Rahul will now don the wicket-keeping gloves for the series. Rahul is no stranger to this dual role. He has already managed to keep wickets for India in ODIs, providing balance to the team and allowing the team to play an extra batter or all-rounder. His experience and composure behind the stumps will be crucial against a tricky New Zealand batting line-up. This situation presents another opportunity for Rahul to cement his place as India’s ‘Mr Reliable’ all-rounder in the middle-order, anchoring the innings while shouldering the keeping responsibilities.
Dhruv Jurel named replacement
The men’s selection committee moved quickly to nominate Dhruv Jurel replacing Pant. The 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman has been in sensational form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Jurel has accumulated 558 runs in just seven matches in the domestic 50-over tournament, averaging over 90, including two centuries. His ability to finish games and handle pressure – traits he has already shown in Test cricket – made him the logical choice to strengthen the team. Jurel has already joined the Vadodara team.
Playing the XI on 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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