India has suffered a major setback on the eve of their ODI series against New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out due to an abdominal injury. The three-match series is set to begin on January 11.

Pant's injury occurred during an optional practice session where he was struck just above the waist while batting in the nets against a throwdown specialist. Reports indicate that he appeared to be in extreme discomfort and was seen on his knees before being attended to by the Indian team's support staff and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Following the incident, Pant underwent an MRI scan and consulted online with Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. He has been diagnosed with a right-sided strain accompanied by an internal oblique muscle tear. Sources indicate Pant sustained a blow to the ribcage, leading to the side strain. He is expected to rest before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitation.

While the BCCI is yet to release an official statement regarding the nature of the injury, reports suggest that the injury is serious enough to keep him out of the entire series. Pant will leave the Indian camp on Sunday, the day of the first ODI in Vadodara.

Pant's absence forces the team to rethink their plans for the wicketkeeper and middle-order. While Pant was the second-choice wicketkeeper in the squad, there is no immediate need for a replacement. However, selectors are likely to draft Ishan Kishan into the squad.

This is not the first time Pant's career has been impacted by injuries. In 2022, he was involved in a serious car accident that led to a lengthy period away from international cricket and the IPL. Last year, he also missed a Test match against England and two Tests against the West Indies after being hit on the toe.

Pant had been part of India's ODI setup for the past two years but last played in the format during the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2024. Before the New Zealand ODIs, there was speculation about Pant being dropped, but he was retained in the squad by the selection committee. He recently led Delhi in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy.