India, Jan. 11 -- India has suffered an early setback ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three-match contest due to an injury sustained during a training session. The incident occurred on the eve of the opening ODI, scheduled to be played on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara.

Pant's injury comes at an unfortunate time, with India beginning their first international assignment of 2026. The left-hander picked up the knock during India's optional practice session, casting immediate doubt over his availability for the series.

During training, Pant faced deliveries from a throwdown specialist when he was struck above the waist by a sharp delivery. The impact caused visible ...