India have suffered a setback ahead of the three-match One-day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ruled out after sustaining an abdominal injury during a practice session in Vadodara.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Sunday that Pant experienced sudden discomfort on the right side of his abdomen while batting in the nets at the BCA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. He was immediately taken for MRI scans, following which the BCCI medical team consulted specialists to assess his condition.
Medical evaluations revealed that Pant has suffered a side strain, identified as an oblique muscle tear, forcing him to miss the entire ODI series. In his absence, the national selection committee has named Dhruv Jurel as his replacement. The BCCI added that Jurel has already joined the Indian squad.
The ODI series is set to conclude on January 18, after which India and New Zealand will face off in a five-match T20 International series later this month. These matches will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
