Association International Stadium – Rishabh Pant is likely to be ruled out of the Indian team in the ODI series against New Zealand starting on Sunday (January 11, 2026) after suffering an injury while batting in the nets on Saturday (January 10) at the Baroda Cricket Association International Stadium. The Hindu understands that the wicketkeeper suffered a side-strain while batting against a side-armor at the end of a long stint in the nets on the ‘B’ ground.

When Pant was writhing in pain, the entire Indian contingent, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had come for the optional practice session, approached him in concern. The heavy blow resulted in a side-strain injury, and the initial diagnosis by the team medical staff is that it will take at least 10 days to heal. As a result, Pant is unlikely to be available for selection for any of the three ODI matches.

National selection panel chairman Ajit Agarkar was also in the nets session. Ishan Kishan, who has been recalled to the T20I set-up after two years, is likely to be called into the squad as the reserve wicketkeeper for the last two ODIs. K.

L. Rahul remains the first choice.

An official announcement is expected on Sunday before the first ODI.