The much awaited ODI series between India And new zealand Started today at BCA Stadium, Vadodara. Captain of India after winning the toss Shubman Gill Chose to bowl first. However, the team’s announcement came as a surprise. Rishabh Pant Was missing from the playing eleven.
Know why Rishabh Pant is not playing the first ODI
Notably, before the match the BCCI clarified that Pant has been ruled out of the entire three-match series. This news came as a big shock to India and spoiled the mood of the fans who had gathered in large numbers at the Vadodara venue. The injury occurred during India’s practice session yesterday (Saturday, January 10). According to the BCCI medical team, Pant felt ‘sudden discomfort’ in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets.
Reports indicate that he was hit in the rib/armpit by a ball from the throwdown specialist during an extended session. He was immediately taken for a scan, which revealed a side strain (rupture of the oblique muscle). Given the nature of the side strain, which usually requires several weeks of rehabilitation, Pant was declared unfit for the series. He is expected to report to the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE) for rehabilitation.
Also read: Shubman Gill said on being out of T20 World Cup 2026, India is ready for New Zealand ODI
KL Rahul will remain in place of Pant
In Pant’s absence, the spotlight shifts strongly KL RahulAlready a vital cog in India’s ODI setup, Rahul will now don the wicketkeeping gloves for the series, Rahul is not untouched by this dual role, He has successfully kept wickets for India in the first ODI, providing balance to the team and allowing the team to play an extra batsman or all-rounder, His experience and calmness behind the stumps will be vital against New Zealand’s difficult batting line-up, The situation presents another opportunity for Rahul to cement his place as India’s versatile “Mr Dependable” in the middle order, handling the innings while also shouldering the keeping responsibilities,
Dhruv Jurel named replacement
The men’s selection committee has worked rapidly towards finalizing the name. Dhruv Jurel As Pant’s replacement. The 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman has been in sensational form in the ongoing 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Jurel has scored 558 runs at an average of over 90, including two centuries, in just seven matches in the domestic 50-over tournament. His ability to finish games and handle pressure – traits he has shown before in Test cricket – made him a logical choice to strengthen the team. Jurel has already joined the team in Vadodara.
Playing eleven of both the teams
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), 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), Zachary Foulkes, Christian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok
Also read: Not Jasprit Bumrah! Sourav Ganguly picks ‘X factor’ for India in T20 World Cup 2026
