Pant ruled out with side strain, Jurel drafted in for NZ ODIs

India have been forced into a late change ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Dhruv Jurel named as replacement for injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.

Pant was ruled out after sustaining a side strain during a net session on Saturday at the BCA Stadium here. The BCCI confirmed that the left-hander experienced discomfort in the right lateral abdominal area while batting and was immediately taken for scans. Medical assessments later revealed an oblique muscle tear, ending his participation in the series.

In Pant’s absence, the national selectors have turned to Jurel, who has been in impressive form in domestic cricket. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a prolific run in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring six fifty-plus knocks in seven innings, including two centuries. He has already joined the squad and will serve as the reserve wicketkeeper-batter.

The series, beginning on Sunday, will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. KL Rahul will continue as the first-choice wicketkeeper, while the squad also features senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

India’s bowling attack includes experienced names such as Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, alongside younger options like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

Pant’s injury is a setback for India, but Jurel’s strong domestic form offers a timely opportunity as the hosts look to start the series on a positive note.India and New Zealand will play a three-match ODI series and will be played across Vadodara, Indore, and Rajkot.

India ODI squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK).