IND vs NZ 2026, 1st ODI: Why Rishabh Pant Is Not Playing Today?

Rishabh Pant is not part of India’s playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand in 2026 because he has been ruled out of the entire series due to an injury picked up during practice.

Pant suffered a side strain, an internal oblique muscle tear, during an optional net session on Saturday, January 10, in Vadodara. The injury happened when he was struck just above the waist by a delivery from a throwdown specialist.

Scans later confirmed a right-sided strain, forcing the Indian team management to keep him out as a precaution. The decision was taken after medical advice, with the focus on his recovery rather than risking further damage.

This injury means Pant will miss all three ODIs against New Zealand. It is a setback for India, especially with a packed international calendar ahead and important tournaments later in the year.

The BCCI has named Dhruv Jurel as Pant’s replacement in the ODI squad. Jurel joins the group but is unlikely to feature in the first match.

For today’s game, KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI format and is expected to take the gloves. Rahul has been India’s regular option behind the stumps in white-ball cricket.

Pant will now report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, where he will begin his rehabilitation programme. The team hopes he can return to full fitness soon without rushing the process.

India won the toss in the first ODI and chose to bowl first, keeping the dew factor in mind under lights.

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell said his side was prepared to bat despite wanting to bowl first. He spoke about adapting to Indian conditions and called the series a proud moment for the team, while confirming a debut for Kristian Clarke.

India captain Shubman Gill said the team wanted to test different combinations and bowl with six options. He added that bowling with dew would be a challenge but felt the squad was in good form and spirits.

With Pant sidelined, India will look to manage their resources smartly as the series gets underway against a confident New Zealand side.

New Zealand Playing XI: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(w), Michael Bracewell(c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna