Team India star ruled out of IND vs NZ 2026 ODI series after suffering injury during practice session: reports

Team India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is likely to have to wait for his ODI return as he has reportedly been ruled out of the series against New Zealand, starting Sunday, January 11, in Baroda. According to CricbuzzPant will not play in the series after suffering an injury during a practice session on Saturday afternoon.

In a video posted on social media, the left-handed batter was seen walking gingerly after being hit on the waist while batting in the nets. As reported Cricbuzzthe southpaw was hit by a delivery from a handgun specialist and did not consult any specialist. The team's physiotherapist and doctor decided the injury was serious enough to rule him out of the three ODI matches.

In addition, Cricbuzz also reported that the 28-year-old is likely to leave the Indian camp on Sunday morning and it is unclear when he will return to action. Pant was the second keeper behind KL Rahul in the team. The BCCI is yet to name a replacement, but Ishan Kishan remains the favorite to be called. Pant also suffered a toe injury during the England Test series and returned to international cricket to face South Africa in red-ball cricket at home.

Rishabh Pant last played 50-over cricket for India in August 2024

Although the explosive keeper-batsman is a real match-winner for India in Tests, he hasn't quite succeeded in the white-ball format at the international level. As a result, he has not been a regular member of the limited-overs side. Pant last played an ODI during the Sri Lanka tour in mid-2024 and made six runs in the only match he played.

The left-hander not in the T20I squad to face New Zealand or in the subsequent T20I World Cup, fans could then see him in the IPL 2026, which is scheduled to begin on March 26.