New Delhi: India’s preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand were briefly disrupted after wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took a blow during a net session, raising questions over his availability for the opening game.
Pant was batting at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium when he was struck just above the waist by a delivery during throwdown practice. The impact left him visibly uncomfortable, prompting immediate attention from the team’s medical staff. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and other support personnel were seen checking on the left-hander as he received treatment on the field.
Although Pant was able to walk off on his own after initial assessment, the incident has put his participation in the series under scrutiny. Team officials are expected to monitor his condition closely ahead of the first ODI on Sunday.
Elsewhere at the nets, India captain Shubman Gill was spotted in conversation with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, while former skipper Rohit Sharma took on a mentoring role, offering batting advice to fast bowler Mohammed Siraj during the optional training session.
Several players were returning to national duty after recent appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, fresh from leading Mumbai in a narrow domestic defeat earlier in the week, spent time batting alongside KL Rahul. Ravindra Jadeja and Pant also had extended sessions before the latter’s injury scare.
The upcoming series marks a milestone for the Baroda venue, which is set to host its first men’s international fixture. The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on January 14, followed by the series finale in Indore.
