IND vs NZ: Just before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the Indian team has suffered a big setback. Main wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is injured and is out of the entire series. In his place, young and talented wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has been included in the team.
Pant out of the series
On January 10, 2026, during net practice at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Pant suddenly felt severe pain in the right side of the stomach. He was immediately given an MRI scan. BCCI’s medical team and experts after examination confirmed that Pant is suffering from side strain i.e. oblique muscle tear.
BCCI issued an official statement saying, "Pant suddenly felt discomfort in the right side of his stomach while batting in the nets. On examination, oblique muscle tear was found. Therefore he has been dropped from the ODI series." Pant has struggled with injuries many times before, but this time the injury occurred on the opening day of the series, due to which the team management had to immediately look for an alternative.
Dhruv Jurel got a chance
Dhruv Jurel has been immediately included in the team in place of Pant. This 24 year old young player has performed brilliantly in domestic cricket. He consistently scored big scores for Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and caught the attention of the selectors. Jurel has already been a part of the Indian team. He has played 15 Tests and 4 T20 International matches so far.
His average in Test cricket is 35.31, in which he scored 459 runs, which also includes one century and one half-century. Although his performance in T20 was not much, he is still waiting to make his debut in ODI. This series can be a golden opportunity for him to debut in ODI cricket. Jurel has already joined the team and has started preparations.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Rishabh Pant ruled out of #INDvNZ ODI series; Dhruv Jurel named replacement.
Details🔽 #TeamIndia , @IDFCFIRSTBankhttps://t.co/3hKb7Kdup2
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026
Challenge for Team India
In Pant’s absence, the responsibility of wicketkeeping and middle order will fall on Jurel. The team led by captain Shubman Gill has big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Now Jurel will have to keep pace with these giants. The first ODI will be played on January 11 in Vadodara. Fans hope that Dhruv Jurel will take advantage of this opportunity to leave his mark and strengthen the team.
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