India suffered a major setback ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the three-match series due to a right side strain injury.
Pant sustained the injury during an optional practice session after being struck above the waist while facing a throwdown. Medical scans confirmed a ribcage blow and side strain, forcing him out of the series. Pant is expected to rest before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
The ODI series begins in Vadodara on January 11.