In a significant setback for the Indian cricket team, wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand due to an injury sustained during practice. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named young Dhruv Jurel as his replacement in the squad.
How Pant Sustained the Injury
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday evening during an optional practice session at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, ahead of the first ODI. Pant was involved in a lengthy batting session, focusing on his forward defence and occasionally attempting lap shots. He was struck near the ribs by a delivery from a throwdown specialist, which resulted in a side strain.
The 28-year-old was immediately attended to by the support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir. After receiving treatment on the BCA B ground, Pant left the venue visibly in pain. This development forced the team management to make a swift change to the squad just before the series opener.
Pant's Recent Comeback Trail and Jurel's Opportunity
This injury is another hurdle in Pant's journey back to consistent international cricket. He last played an ODI for India in July 2024 against Sri Lanka. Although he was part of the triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 squad, he did not feature in any match. His most recent comeback was from a toe fracture sustained during the Manchester Test against England, after which he played in the home Test series against South Africa.
Recently, he led Delhi in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries. Replacing him is Dhruv Jurel, the 24-year-old wicket-keeper from Uttar Pradesh. While Jurel has played nine Tests and four T20Is, this call-up marks a potential ODI debut for the talented player.
The Impact and Jurel's Stellar Form
Jurel's inclusion comes at the cost of his participation for Uttar Pradesh in the crucial quarter-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Saurashtra in Bengaluru. His absence will be a big blow for UP, as Jurel has been in phenomenal form, captaining the side and amassing 558 runs in just seven matches at an average exceeding 90. His tournament included two centuries and four half-centuries, establishing him as one of the standout performers.
The ODI series against New Zealand is scheduled to be played in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore over the coming week. With KL Rahul being the first-choice wicket-keeper, Jurel will serve as the backup option. This injury to Pant once again highlights the physical demands of the modern cricket calendar and opens the door for the next generation to step up on the international stage.
