Dhruv Jurel has been named as the injury replacement for Rishabh Pant for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Pant was ruled out after suffering a side strain when struck on the ribs during a net session in Vadodara.

Pant experienced pain ahead of the first ODI match and will not participate in the series. Jurel, enjoying a brilliant run for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, has already joined the squad, according to an official BCCI press release.

During an optional practice session at the BCA B ground, Pant batted for almost 50 minutes but felt discomfort after being hit above the waist by a throwdown delivery. He immediately collapsed to his knees and was attended to by support staff. “Scans and assessment by the team doctor showed that Rishabh copped a blow on the ribcage on the right side and a side strain has been detected, thus ruling him out of this ODI series against New Zealand,” sources told IANS.

Pant is expected to rest before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitation. He had entered the ODI series on the back of leading Delhi in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries as Delhi entered the knockouts.

This is the second time Pant has been affected by injuries after fracturing his right foot in the fourth Test against England in Manchester. He returned through the two-match Test series against South Africa at home in November last year.

Pant last played in the 50-over format during the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2024. Ahead of the ODIs against New Zealand, speculation about his exclusion circulated, but the selection committee retained him. With his injury, the team management now considers Dhruv Jurel and T20 World Cup-bound Ishan Kishan as likely replacements due to strong performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara, with the second ODI at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot on January 14, and the final match at Holkar Stadium, Indore on January 18.