As the Indian cricket team fine-tuned their preparations ahead of the first One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Vadodara, an unexpected scare unfolded during the final training session before the series opener.
The squad was going through optional nets at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium’s Ground B on Saturday, with several players returning from recent domestic fixtures eager to get in some last-minute practice ahead of Sunday’s match.
Among them, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who had been part of Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign just days earlier, was batting against throwdown specialists when an errant delivery struck him in the mid-section, just above the waist. The impact caused Pant to wince and briefly halt his session, drawing the attention of coaches and medical staff on the field.
The atmosphere in the nets also saw senior players contributing in different ways. Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most experienced campaigners, was spotted offering batting advice to pace bowler Mohammed Siraj, who was having a light hitting stint during the optional workout.
Meanwhile, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper KL Rahul were also active in the nets alongside Pant and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as part of the team’s balanced practice routine.
The Injury Incident & Immediate Response
When Pant took that blow in the nets, he immediately showed signs of discomfort, prompting the Indian team’s support staff to rush over and assess the situation. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been leading India’s coaching setup since late 2024, was among the first senior figures to attend to Pant on the field, demonstrating the team’s concern for their star player’s well-being.
Pant received initial treatment right there before deciding to leave the nets and walk off the ground, suggesting that he felt the need for further evaluation rather than continuing his session.
While the exact severity of the impact remains unclear, the incident naturally raised some concerns, given Pant’s importance as a match-winner and the proximity of the first ODI. Fans and pundits alike were left wondering whether this scare could affect his availability for the Baroda fixture, although no official medical update had been released at the time of the report.
Looking Ahead to the ODI Series
This three-match ODI series marks the beginning of India’s limited-overs campaign against a New Zealand side that recently featured some new faces. The first game scheduled for Vadodara will be followed by encounters in Rajkot and Indore, giving both teams a chance to build momentum early in the season.
India’s preparations, despite the Pant incident, appeared largely positive, with experienced players and emerging talents blending in training ahead of a crucial home series.
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