IND vs NZ: Who will replace Injured Rishabh Pant for ODI series? Four Names in Focus

India suffered a major setback on the eve of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out due to a right-sided side strain.

The injury occurred during an optional net session at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on January 10.

While batting intensely for nearly 50 minutes, Pant was struck just above the waist on the right ribcage by a delivery from a throwdown specialist.

He immediately collapsed in pain, was attended by the team physio, doctor, and head coach Gautam Gambhir, and left the nets limping. Scans and medical assessment confirmed a blow to the ribcage leading to a side strain with an internal oblique muscle tear.

KL Rahul is the first-choice wicketkeeper and is set

to feature, but the selectors may eye a replacement for the ODI series. Although a name is yet to be picked, here are four players who can replace injured Pant.

Ishan Kishan

The left-handed aggressive opener and finisher is the frontrunner for a recall. He has been in excellent domestic form, including a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and was recently included in India's T20I setup. His explosive batting style offers similar middle-order firepower to Pant, and he has prior ODI experience (last played in 2023). Many reports highlight him as the likely immediate replacement.

Dhruv Jurel

The young Uttar Pradesh keeper-batter has been in sensational domestic form, scoring heavily in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was part of recent ODI squads and provides solid glovework with promising middle-order potential, making him a strong contender for the backup role.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has a proven ODI record in limited opportunities. He recently returned to List A cricket with a quick hundred in domestic games, showing good form. Though more T20-focused lately (part of the T20I squad), his middle-order stability and experience make him a viable option if the team seeks composure.

Jitesh Sharma

Known for his power-hitting in the lower middle order and sharp keeping skills, Jitesh has been a consistent domestic performer and features in IPL setups as a keeper-batter. While he has limited ODI exposure so far, his finishing ability and glovework position him as a potential emergency or long-term backup in white-ball cricket.