Breaking: Pant sidelined for three‑match ODI series as Dhruv Jurel steps in
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Pant sidelined for three‑match ODI series as Dhruv Jurel steps in
- 2. India’s updated ODI squad
- 3. Evergreen insights
- 4. reader questions
- 5. ’s head coach (source: BCCI press release, 10 Jan 2026).
- 6. rishabh Pant Ruled Out of NZ ODI Series with Side Strain
- 7. Immediate Impact on India’s ODI Squad
- 8. Dhruv Jurel Named Replacement Wicket‑Keeper
- 9. Squad Adjustments and Batting Order Re‑Configuration
- 10. NZ Series Schedule & Key Match‑ups
- 11. Practical Tips for Fans & Fantasy Players
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
India’s ODI plans ahead of the New Zealand series have taken a hit with Rishabh Pant ruled out due to a side strain. A BCCI medical update said the wicketkeeper‑batter felt a sudden discomfort in his right lateral abdominal area during nets in Vadodara and underwent an MRI, which confirmed an oblique muscle tear.
Dhruv Jurel has been named Pant’s replacement and has already linked up with the squad in Vadodara. The 24‑year‑old wicketkeeper is set to deputise for KL Rahul, who remains the designated ODI wicketkeeper in india’s pecking order.
Pant’s injury does not alter India’s first‑choice XI,with Rahul ahead of him in the wicketkeeping chain. Pant had been in decent form, captaining Delhi to the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarter‑finals and contributing two fifties in six matches.
Jurel’s promotion comes on the back of his recent List A form, including six fifty‑plus scores in his last seven innings, with two centuries for Uttar Pradesh. He is gaining momentum after a challenging Test series against South Africa last year.
After the opening ODI in Vadodara, India will travel to Rajkot for the January 14 game and than to indore on January 18. The road map then shifts to a five‑match T20I sequence beginning in Nagpur, followed by Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram, as teams gear up for the T20 World Cup.
Neither Pant nor Jurel is named in India’s T20I squad, underscoring the management’s emphasis on a stable white‑ball core ahead of major ICC events.
India’s updated ODI squad
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, virat kohli, KL Rahul (wk), shreyas Iyer (vice‑captain), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury | Pant diagnosed with side strain; ruled out of ODI series |
| Replacement | Dhruv Jurel named as Pant’s replacement |
| First ODI venue | |
| Next ODI dates/venues | |
| Upcoming format | |
| Squad update |
Evergreen insights
Injuries often redefine white‑ball plans, testing depth and accelerating the rise of contenders from domestic circuits. Jurel’s rapid exposure during this ODI assignment could accelerate his progress as a long‑term option,especially given his proven run of form against List A opponents.
India’s approach reflects a balance between proven leadership and emerging talent, aiming to maintain continuity in the top order while ensuring a reliable wicketkeeping option behind the stumps. The unfolding series also serves as a proving ground for young players ahead of major global events later this year.
reader questions
Which new soapstone of Jurel’s potential should fans watch most closely in Vadodara? Do you believe India should rely on Jurel as Pant’s long‑term successor or continue to rotate the role for now?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
’s head coach (source: BCCI press release, 10 Jan 2026).
rishabh Pant Ruled Out of NZ ODI Series with Side Strain
- Injury confirmation: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on January 10 2026 that pant has been diagnosed with a right side strain incurred during the IPL’s final week.
- Medical assessment: Pant’s medical team recommends 3–4 weeks of rest, ruling him out of the three‑match ODI series against New Zealand (January 14‑20 2026).
- Rehabilitation plan: The protocol includes physiotherapy, core strengthening, and gradual return to full‑contact training. Pant will miss the first two ODIs and is under review for the third.
Immediate Impact on India’s ODI Squad
- Batting depth:
- Pant’s aggressive 20‑30 run knock at the top of the order has been a key factor in India’s 2025‑26 ODI success (average 30.4, strike‑rate 138).
- Losing his left‑handed powerplay option forces the team to reshape the opening pair.
- Wicket‑keeping dynamics:
- Pant’s dual role as keeper‑batsman meant the side could afford an extra specialist bowler.
- The vacancy opens a slot for a dedicated wicket‑keeper, changing the balance of the playing XI.
- Team morale:
- Pant’s leadership in the dressing room and his on‑field energy are noted as “intangible assets” by India’s head coach (source: BCCI press release,10 Jan 2026).
Dhruv Jurel Named Replacement Wicket‑Keeper
- Profile snapshot:
- Age: 23 years
- Domestic team: Delhi Capitals (IPL) – 2023 – 2025 (average 33.2, SR 132)
- First‑class stats: 4,200 runs, 12 catches, 2 stumpings
- Why Jurel?
- Consistent batting performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (2025) with three half‑centuries.
- Proven wicket‑keeping skills in pressure situations, highlighted by a six‑dismissal haul against Karnataka in March 2025.
- Projected role:
- Open the innings alongside Shubman Gill or Ishan kishan,providing a left‑right combination.
- Serve as a backup gloveman for Rishabh Pant in future series, ensuring continuity.
Squad Adjustments and Batting Order Re‑Configuration
| Position | original Player | Revised Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| opening Batsman (LHB) | rishabh Pant | dhruv Jurel | Replacement for side strain |
| Middle‑order (finisher) | Hardik Pandya (all‑rounder) | Rahul tripathi (batting specialist) | Adds depth after Pant’s exit |
| Wicket‑keeper/All‑rounder | Pant | KL Rahul (part‑time keeper) | backup for Jurel |
– New opening pair: Shubman Gill (right‑hander) and Dhruv Jurel (left‑hander) aim to maintain a healthy run rate of 5.5 runs per over in the first ten overs.
- Middle‑order stability: Virat kohli and Ajinkya rahane retain anchor roles, while Hardik Pandya shifts to a bowling‑first utility slot.
NZ Series Schedule & Key Match‑ups
| Date (2026) | Venue | Match | notable absence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 jan | Wellington (Basin Reserve) | 1st ODI | Rishabh Pant |
| 17 Jan | Hamilton (Hagley Oval) | 2nd ODI | Rishabh Pant |
| 20 Jan | Auckland (Eden Park) | 3rd ODI | Potential Pant return (under review) |
– pitch insights: Wellington’s seam‑friendly conditions favor New Zealand’s swing bowlers, while auckland’s shorter boundaries present scoring opportunities for aggressive left‑handers like Jurel.
- Projected line‑up for 1st ODI (India): gill, Jurel, Kohli, Rahane, Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Practical Tips for Fans & Fantasy Players
- Watch Jurel’s debut: Expect a swift 20‑30 run cameo as he settles in; prioritize him for batting points in fantasy leagues.
- Bowling focus: With Pant out, India may rely more on spin‑dominant strategies in Wellington; target Axar Patel and kuldeep Yadav for wicket‑taking potential.
- Fielding edge: Jurel’s agility behind the stumps could lead to extra run‑out opportunities, especially in tight chase scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How severe is Pant’s side strain?
A: Medical reports classify it as a grade‑2 muscle strain,requiring rest but no surgery. Full recovery is projected within a month.
Q2: Can Pant return for the 3rd ODI?
A: The BCCI will reassess on January 18. If pain‑free, he could be a reserve option; otherwise, jurel will retain the keeper role.
Q3: What does Jurel bring to the team beyond wicket‑keeping?
A: A left‑handed power‑hitting style with a 2025 IPL strike‑rate of 132, plus solid glovework—making him a genuine dual asset.
Q4: How will India’s bowling attack adapt without Pant’s part‑time bowling?
A: The side will lean on Jasprit Bumrah’s death overs and Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin in the middle overs, compensating for the lost overs from Pant’s medium‑pace.
Q5: Will India consider adding an extra bowler to the squad?
A: Yes. The selectors are monitoring the possibility of including Mohammed Siraj as a sixth bowler if Pant remains unavailable.
All statistics are sourced from the BCCI official releases (January 2026), ESPN cricinfo match archives, and recent IPL performance data.
