India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the entire One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand after being diagnosed with an oblique muscle tear, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Thursday.
Injury confirmed after medical assessment
According to the BCCI, Pant sustained the injury during training ahead of the opening ODI. Following medical scans and assessment by the national team’s medical staff, he was advised rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out of all three matches in the series.
The board stated that the decision was taken to avoid aggravating the injury and to prioritise the player’s long-term fitness, especially with a packed international calendar ahead.
Impact on India’s plans
Pant’s absence comes as a setback for Team India, as the left-hander was expected to play a key role in the middle order and provide depth with both bat and gloves. His aggressive batting style and experience were seen as crucial against New Zealand’s bowling attack.
With Pant sidelined, the team management is expected to rely on alternative wicketkeeping options already present in the squad. The selectors and team staff have expressed confidence in the available replacements to step up during the series.
Focus on recovery and comeback
The BCCI medical team will closely monitor Pant’s rehabilitation programme. Oblique muscle injuries typically require careful management, and officials have stressed that there will be no rush to bring him back into competitive action.
Pant has been gradually returning to full rhythm after previous injury setbacks, and the board reiterated its commitment to ensuring his complete recovery before future assignments.
Series continues as scheduled
India and New Zealand are set to play a three-match ODI series, followed by a T20I leg. While Pant will miss the ODIs, his availability for subsequent fixtures will depend on progress during rehabilitation.