India vs New Zealand: Big scare for Team India on first ODI eve as Rishabh Pant sustains injury

India vs New Zealand: The ODI series between India and New Zealand is set to begin on Sunday, January 11. However, Team India has suffered a major setback before the series. 

What setback did Team India suffer?

Star player Rishabh Pant's participation in the first ODI in Vadodara is uncertain. The wicketkeeper-batsman sustained an injury on the eve of the first ODI. Pant had arrived in Vadodara on Tuesday, where he played for Delhi in the final group stage match of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Why has Rishabh Pant's injury raised concerns for Team India?

Instead of resting, Pant decided to practice to prepare himself fully for the match. He joined the entire team for a practice session at Ground B of the BCA Stadium. According to reports, everything was going smoothly, but during a throwdown session, Pant was hit by the ball just above his waist.

Pant cried out in pain immediately, and the medical team attended to him. The support staff and other players were present and watched as Pant received treatment. However, Pant was unable to continue practicing. He left the practice session midway with two members of the medical team.

What did the Team India management decide?

Shortly after, India's ODI captain Shubman Gill was seen having a long conversation with the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar. The topic of their discussion is unclear, but it is believed that Rishabh Pant's fitness might have been discussed.

Besides Pant and Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja were also present at this optional practice session. During this time, Rohit Sharma also gave batting tips to fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and helped him from outside the nets. 

Who are the members of India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series?

Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (Vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

What is the schedule of the series?

India vs New Zealand ODI series schedule:

1st ODI:  January 11 (Vadodara)
2nd ODI: January 14 (Rajkot)
3rd ODI: January 18 (Indore)