Rishabh Pant's Injury Woes Persist, Ruining His ODI Series Against New Zealand
Rishabh Pant's injury woes continue, as the young wicketkeeper faces another setback. Sources reveal that Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in Baroda on January 11th. The injury occurred during a practice session at the BCA Stadium, where Pant was hit by a delivery from a sidearm specialist.
As the second wicketkeeper in the squad, Pant's absence won't immediately impact the team's lineup. However, selectors are expected to announce a replacement, with Ishan Kishan, the preferred wicketkeeper for the T20 series, a likely candidate. The nature of Pant's injury remains unclear, but it's evident that it's severe enough to keep him out of the three-match series.
This isn't Pant's first encounter with injuries. A horrific car accident in December 2022 almost derailed his promising career, leading to a prolonged absence from international cricket and the IPL. Last summer in England, he suffered a finger injury, which further restricted his participation in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The Indian team's practice session on Saturday was optional, and Pant chose to participate in a batting session at the nets, where he was hit by the delivery. Other players, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, and Shreyas Iyer, also attended the practice. Skipper Shubman Gill addressed the pre-series media conference, adding to the team's preparation.
Despite the injury, Pant's future in the series remains uncertain. Sources indicate that he will leave the Indian camp on Sunday morning, but the duration of his absence is yet to be determined. The team management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have yet to provide an official statement, leaving fans and followers in anticipation.
