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Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of NZ ODIs with Injury, Dhruv Jurel Called Up

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain sustained during a net session. The BCCI has named young keeper Dhruv Jurel as his replacement in the squad. The series marks the ODI comeback of senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Following the three ODIs, the teams will play five T20Is as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Key Points: Pant Injured, Out of India vs New Zealand ODI Series

  • Pant injured in nets
  • Dhruv Jurel named replacement
  • Kohli & Sharma return for ODIs
  • Series starts January 11
  • Five T20Is to follow
2 min read

Rishabh Pant ruled out of IND vs NZ ODI series, Dhruv Jurel named as replacement

Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant ruled out of India-New Zealand ODIs with a side strain. Dhruv Jurel named as his replacement in the squad.

"Pant has suffered a side strain (oblique muscle tear), as a result of which, he has been ruled out of the series. - BCCI Medical Team"

Vadodara, January 11

Team India star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three-match India vs New Zealand ODI series, starting on January 11, owing to a side strain. Dhruv Jurel has been named as Pant's replacement for the New Zealand ODIs.

Pant sustained the injury while batting during a net session at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday, according to a media advisory from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Pant felt sudden discomfort in his right side while batting in the nets and he was immediately taken for MRI scans, according to the advisory. After consultation with experts, the BCCI Medical Team confirmed that Pant has suffered a side strain (oblique muscle tear), as a result of which, he has been ruled out of the series.

Jurel, whom the Men's Selection Committee has named as Pant's replacement, has now joined the Indian squad.

India's updated ODI squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK).

Pant entered the ODI series after captaining Delhi in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) league stage. He scored two half-centuries--against Services and Railways--helping Delhi reach the knockout stage.

The first India vs New Zealand ODI is scheduled to take place at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, followed by the second ODI in Rajkot, with the series set to culminate with the third ODI in Indore.

Notably, the ODI series will also see the return of star India suo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with both being exclusively ODI players.

Following the ODIs, India and New Zealand will face off against each other in five T20Is, preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Injuries are part of the game, but the timing is terrible. At least we get to see a new talent in Dhruv Jurel. The squad looks strong regardless. Excited to see Kohli and Rohit back in blue!
R
Rohit P
BCCI needs to look at the workload management seriously. Pant has been through so much already. Now another injury? Get well soon, champ! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
Dhruv Jurel has been brilliant in domestic cricket. This is his moment. But honestly, I feel for Pant. He must be so frustrated. Health comes first, matches will always be there.
M
Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is a fascinating twist. Jurel's inclusion adds a fresh dynamic. India's bench strength is incredible. Should still be a cracking series against NZ.
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Priya S
Side strains are tricky. Hope they don't rush him back. We need a fit Pant for the T20 World Cup at home next year. Good luck to Team India! Let's start the year with a series win 💪

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