Huge blow! Rishabh Pant injured ahead of 1st ODI vs New Zealand after intense practice session

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who had every chance to be back in the Playing XI in ODIs, has suffered a freak injury, as he has been spotted limping after being hit by a ball during the net session ahead of the first match in Vadodara.

India will be playing their first game of 2026 against New Zealand at home. The series comprises three ODIs, and the first game will commence tomorrow, the 11th of January, at the Vadodara Cricket Ground.

Rishabh Pant suffers freak injury ahead of NZ series opener

Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicket-keeper batter, has largely been affected by injuries in his career. The massive car accident could turn out to be a massive turning point in his life as well as his career.

Pant had then started off his career as an ODI star, and the hindrance came up. Now, after a promising domestic season, Pant was in talks to make an ODI comeback.

In Vadodara, when Rishabh Pant was batting, a ball once again hit him on his legs, and he had to leave the field in pain and despair. Pant recently came back following a lengthy procedure where he had to rehab after his foot was fractured during the England Test series match in Manchester.

Rishabh Pant gingerly walks off the field after being hit by a delivery while batting at the nets. #INDvNZ @shamik100 pic.twitter.com/vpByN9OvOh

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 10, 2026