Rishabh Pant Suffers Injury Scare in India Net Practice

India's cricket team wrapped up preparations for its three-match ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffering an injury scare during net practice at the BCA Stadium's Ground B in Vadodara. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, marking the venue's debut as a host for men's international cricket.

Pant, who was batting against throwdown specialists, was struck above the waist and grimaced in visible pain. Team support staff and head coach Gautam Gambhir attended to him immediately on the field. After receiving initial treatment, the 28-year-old walked off the practice area, ending his session early. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not issued an official update on the extent of the injury, leaving his availability for the series uncertain. Pant had been rested throughout India's recent ODI series against South Africa, where KL Rahul handled wicketkeeping duties, but his strong domestic form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy had positioned him as a likely candidate for a return to the playing XI.

Elsewhere in the optional training session, former captain Rohit Sharma provided batting...