In a significant blow to the Indian cricket team, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been officially ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after Pant sustained an oblique muscle tear during a training session in Vadodara.
The Painful Incident: A Viral Moment of Agony
The injury occurred on the eve of the series opener at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. While batting in the nets, Pant felt a sudden and sharp discomfort in his right lateral abdominal area. The distressing moment was captured on camera and quickly circulated on social media.
The video shows Pant facing throwdowns from team specialist Raghavendra Dwivedi when he suddenly collapses to one knee in pain. Although the 28-year-old attempted to walk it off, the pain intensified, forcing him to limp visibly before the medical team rushed to his aid.
Diagnosis and Immediate Aftermath
Pant was immediately taken for MRI scans. Following a detailed discussion between the BCCI medical team and experts, analyzing both clinical and radiological findings, the diagnosis was confirmed: an oblique muscle tear.
This injury led to Pant's withdrawal from the entire ODI series, with Rajkot and Indore scheduled to host the remaining two matches. The BCCI moved swiftly to name young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel as Pant's replacement in the squad. KL Rahul, already in the side, will be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the series.
Understanding the Injury and Recovery Timeline
An oblique muscle tear is an injury to the abdominal muscles, typically caused by overstretching or tearing during a forceful twisting of the torso. These muscles are crucial for bending and rotational movements.
The severity of such tears is graded, which directly impacts recovery time:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Usually heals within two to four weeks.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Often requires up to two months for full recovery.
- Grade 3 (Severe): Can take more than two months and may potentially require surgical intervention.
The BCCI has not yet specified the grade of Pant's tear, leaving his exact return timeline uncertain.
A Setback in a Hard-Earned Comeback
This injury marks an unfortunate setback for Pant, who has been on a remarkable journey back to international cricket following a serious car accident in 2022. The ODI series against New Zealand was set to be only his second ODI appearance since that life-threatening incident, with his last 50-over game for India dating back to 2024.
His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, which now must reconfigure its middle-order and wicketkeeping plans on the eve of the series. All eyes will be on the BCCI's next medical update regarding one of Indian cricket's most dynamic and beloved players.
