Rishabh Pant is likely to be ruled out of the Indian side in the ODI series against New Zealand starting Sunday (January 11, 2026) after hurting himself while batting during the nets on Saturday (January 10) at the Baroda Cricket Association International Stadium.

The Hindu understands that the wicketkeeper suffered a side-strain after copping a blow while batting against a side-armer towards the end of a long stint in the nets at the ‘B’ ground.

While Pant grimaced in pain, all the Indian contingent that had turned up for the optional practice session, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, rushed to him in concern.

The heavy bruising has resulted in a side-strain injury, and the preliminary diagnosis by the team’s medical staff is that it will take at least 10 days to heal. As a result, Pant is unlikely to be available for selection for any of the three ODIs.

Chairman of the national selection panel Ajit Agarkar was also at the nets session.

Ishan Kishan, who has been recalled to the T20I set-up after two years, is likely to be called up to the squad as the reserve wicketkeeper for the last two ODIs. K.L. Rahul remains the first-choice keeper.

An official announcement is expected on Sunday, ahead of the first ODI.