India was preparing very well in the run-up to the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but was dealt a major blow with the side strain injury that Rishabh Pant sustained during a practice session in Vadodara, ruling him out of the series. This blow to India’s squad depth, particularly in the middle order and the wicketkeeping department, came only a day before the start of the series.
Pant, playing in the squad as a reserve wicketkeeper-batter, sustained the injury during the batting session at the nets in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) International Stadium. Later medical examinations proved the internal oblique muscle tear, thus making him unavailable in all three ODIs.
Rishabh Pant Injured During Practice Session in Vadodara
The accident occurred in India on a Saturday during the optional practice of the Indian team at the BCA Ground B in Vadodara. Pant had long been working on his batting practice, preparing to play a series.
He had been struck above the waist, just above the ribs, in batting against a side-armer and throwdown expert towards the end of his long stint in the nets. The effect was of instant pain, and Pant was observed to grimace in pain before falling to the ground.
The gravity of the case was evident as members of the Indian contingent rushed to his rescue, including their coach Gautam Gambhir, who was present during the session.
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Medical Diagnosis: Side Strain and Oblique Muscle Tear
After the event, Pant was taken to the medical staff of the Indian team, which included the physio and the doctor. The initial examination indicated that there was heavy bruising that was later to cause a right-sided strain with an internal oblique muscle tear.
Pant could not be considered to be selected in any of the three ODIs since, according to the sources, the initial diagnosis indicated a recovery period of at least 10 days.
A source was quoted as saying, “He was diagnosed with a right-sided strain of the internal oblique muscle tear and has hence been ruled out from playing in the upcoming series of ODIs against New Zealand.” To The Times of India.
Pant will now be released from the Indian camp. Considering the short turnaround of the series, the medical team found it unsafe for him should remain.
Pant Likely to Leave Indian Camp on Series Opener Day
It is reported that Pant may also not be able to stay in the squad until Sunday, which is the day of the first series between India and New Zealand in Vadodara. Although no official statement by the BCCI has been made yet, various reports have already stated that he will not be available.
Further scans and rehabilitation plans will be done, which will make it clear how the nature of the injury and the recovery of Pant will take shape.
It was not a good time as Pant had just been included in the Indian ODI team, having been the captain at Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT).
Pant was keen to recover good match fitness and had practised a long batting session. But as a warm-up session was to be held, everything went wrong, which ruled out his participation in the ODI series.
Role in the Squad: Backup Wicketkeeper-Batter
Rishabh Pant was a part of the squad primarily as a backup-wicketkeeper-batter, and was not expected in the playing XI except in the event of an injury to a middle-order batter or of the first-choice wicketkeeper.
It is under this reason that India might not have a direct substitute for Pant within the team. According to the sources of team management, it might not change the playing XI formations of India unless there is a drastic change in the series.
Due to the elimination of Pant, Ishan Kishan is the most likely candidate to substitute for the remaining ODIs as the substitute wicketkeeper.
Kishan, who was last recalled to the T20I set up in India back in 2020, is expected to be included in the ODI set up in the final two matches of the series. His inclusion would mean that there will be sufficient cover of wicketkeeping for India as the series progresses.
Impact of Rishabh Pant Being Ruled Out on Team India
The fact that Rishabh Pant is missing in the ODI series against New Zealand makes the squad of India a bit weak, especially in the middle order and wicket-keeping reserves. Even though he was not a sure starter, Pant is a left-handed batting choice that can change the tempo of an innings and spin well in the middle overs.
His non-availability also minimises the flexibility of tactics, in case India demands an aggressive batter or a rapid change of pace in the middle of the match.
It also requests more responsibility on the first-choice wicketkeeper with little backup, even in the scenario of drafting in Ishan Kishan, who is only present on the field, but Pant, with his experience and presence in the dressing room, brings an element of trust in the squad, which India will lack when going through the three-match series.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Context
The ODI series against New Zealand constitutes an important bilateral assignment for India, where it can experiment with combinations and determine the form of its players. Injuries at such junctions can make teams question certain strategies, in particular, squad rotation and bench strength.
India’s ability to cope without Pant will depend on how effectively other middle-order batters step up if required.
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What Lies Ahead for Rishabh Pant
In the case of Pant, the new look has changed to recovery and rehabilitation. Oblique injuries and side strain must be carefully managed to prevent future occurrences, especially when it comes to wicketkeeper-batters who are actively involved in twisting and moving sideways.
The fact that Rishabh Pant suffered a side strain, an internal oblique tear that led to his rule out in the IND vs NZ ODI series, is a sad event for both the player and Team India. This injury that occurred in a practice session in Vadodara has left Pant out of the three ODIs, as he will be at least absent for 10 days.
Although India might not be willing to find a direct substitute to the presence of Pant as a backup, it still affects the depth, flexibility and experience of the squad. As Ishan Kishan is expected to be called up, the team would seek to not only progress and focus their attention as they start the series against New Zealand.
The BCCI will provide an official confirmation in the coming time, as well as additional information regarding the time of Pant’s recovery. Therefore, India is hoping that one of their most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters is up and fully recovered in time.
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