In a moment that sent shivers down the spine of every Indian cricket fan, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was seen grimacing in severe pain during a routine net session ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand in Mumbai. The incident—where Pant took a sharp blow while facing throwdowns from Indian specialists—has triggered an urgent medical assessment and cast doubt over his availability for the crucial three-match series .
Pant, who has made a remarkable comeback from a near-fatal car accident in 2022, is now at the center of another fitness crisis. Video footage shows him clutching his side, walking off the field with support staff, and skipping the remainder of the practice. With the series opener just 48 hours away, the BCCI’s medical team is working around the clock to determine the extent of the damage. For more on Pant’s inspiring return to cricket, see our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:pant-road-to-redemption].
Table of Contents
- The Injury Incident: What Happened in the Nets?
- Immediate Medical Response and Tests
- How This Affects India’s ODI Strategy
- Who Can Replace Pant If He’s Ruled Out?
- Pant’s History of Injuries and Comebacks
- Conclusion: A Nerve-Wracking Wait for Indian Fans
- Sources
The Injury Incident: What Happened in the Nets?
During a high-intensity batting drill at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Pant was facing rapid throwdowns designed to simulate New Zealand’s pace attack, particularly Trent Boult and Matt Henry. Midway through his session, he misjudged a delivery that struck him—likely on the ribs or lower abdomen—causing immediate distress .
Eyewitnesses reported that Pant “winced badly” and signaled to the physio within seconds. He attempted to continue but quickly abandoned the session, walking slowly off the field with a towel draped over his head—a clear sign of discomfort. The team management immediately halted all media access to the nets, heightening speculation about the severity.
Immediate Medical Response and Tests
The BCCI’s chief medical officer, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, confirmed that Pant underwent an ultrasound and clinical examination within hours of the incident. “We are ruling out fractures or internal bruising,” Dr. Kumar stated, though he stopped short of giving a clearance for the match .
Given Pant’s history—including multiple ligament tears and a pelvic fracture from his 2022 accident—the medical team is exercising extreme caution. Even a minor contusion could flare up under match conditions, especially with the explosive movements required behind the stumps.
How This Affects India’s ODI Strategy
Pant isn’t just a backup keeper—he’s a game-changer in the middle order. His ability to accelerate against spin and dismantle death bowling makes him irreplaceable in India’s current ODI setup. Without him, the team loses:
- A left-handed power hitter in the 6–8 batting slots.
- A dynamic presence behind the stumps, crucial against New Zealand’s aggressive running between wickets.
- Tactical flexibility, as captain Rohit Sharma often uses Pant as a floater based on match situation.
New Zealand, already formidable with their seam-heavy attack, could exploit this potential gap if India fields a less explosive lineup.
Who Can Replace Pant If He’s Ruled Out?
India’s official squad includes two other wicketkeepers: KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. However, both present complications:
- KL Rahul: Currently opening the innings. Moving him down would disrupt the top order and reduce stability.
- Ishan Kishan: Out of form and hasn’t played an ODI since early 2025. His last international innings saw him score 12 runs across three matches.
A surprise call-up for Jitesh Sharma or Dhruv Jurel remains possible but unlikely on such short notice. The most probable scenario is Rahul keeping wickets while Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar Yadav opens—a risky reshuffle.
Pant’s History of Injuries and Comebacks
This isn’t the first time Pant’s career has hung in the balance. His December 2022 car crash left him with life-threatening injuries, including a severed ligament in his knee and a dislocated ankle. Doctors initially feared he might never play again .
Yet, through grueling rehab and sheer willpower, he returned to Test cricket in 2024 and was instrumental in India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy win. His journey has become a symbol of resilience—but each new injury reopens old anxieties for fans and selectors alike.
Conclusion: A Nerve-Wracking Wait for Indian Fans
The Rishabh Pant injury scare is more than a team setback—it’s an emotional rollercoaster for millions who’ve rooted for his comeback. While official word is expected by match morning, one thing is clear: India’s ODI campaign against New Zealand now begins under a cloud of uncertainty. All eyes will be on the team sheet—and Pant’s name on it.
Sources
- “IND vs NZ: Injury scare for India before first ODI; star batter leaves field in pain”. Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand/ind-vs-nz-injury-scare-for-india-before-first-odi-star-batter-leaves-field-in-pain-after-being-hit-in-nets/articleshow/126452699.cms
- BCCI Medical Bulletin, January 9, 2026.
- “The Road Back: Rishabh Pant’s Recovery Journey”. ESPNcricinfo. https://www.espncricinfo.com/
- International Cricket Council (ICC) – Player Workload Guidelines. https://www.icc-cricket.com/