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Dhruv Jurel replaces Rishabh Pant in India ODI squad for New Zealand

Akshita Patel

Rishabh Pant's replacement joins the squad [Source: @eshaniverma809, @IMManu_18/X.com]Rishabh Pant's replacement joins the squad [Source: @eshaniverma809, @IMManu_18/X.com]

India have reportedly called up Dhruv Jurel as Rishabh Pant’s replacement for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting Sunday in Vadodara. 

Pant was ruled out after suffering a side strain during a net session, forcing the team management to make a late change. 

Dhruv Jurel in after Pant’s unfortunate injury

Rishabh Pant, selected as backup wicket-keeper for the series behind KL Rahul, picked up the injury when he was struck on the ribs by a delivery from a throwdown specialist during an extended practice session. 

The medical team assessed him soon after, and it was decided that he would not be fit in time for the series. 

The BCCI has officially announced Jurel replacing Pant in the ODI squad. In an official press release, the BCCI stated, "Rishabh Pant felt a sudden onset discomfort in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets during India’s practice session on Saturday afternoon at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara."

"He was taken for MRI scans immediately and the BCCI Medical Team had a detailed discussion with an expert on his clinical and radiological findings. Pant has been diagnosed with a side strain (Oblique Muscle Tear) and is subsequently ruled out of the ODI Series," the release further stated. 

The Men’s Selection Committee has named Dhruv Jurel as Pant’s replacement, and Jurel has linked up with the squad

This is a big moment for the 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket and now gets a chance to prove himself at the international level.

Jurel rewarded for stellar Vijay Hazare form

Dhruv Jurel’s selection comes on the back of a brilliant run in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Playing for Uttar Pradesh, he has been the tournament’s standout performer with the bat. 

Jurel has scored 558 runs in seven matches at an average of over 90, including two centuries and four half-centuries.

He is the current top scorer in the Uttar Pradesh team and has played an important part in the team leading the points table of the Elite Group B with seven wins in as many matches.

Jurel is also leading the Uttar Pradesh side. With the team set to face Saurashtra in the quarterfinals, his confidence is at an all-time high.

With Pant unavailable, the Indian team will be looking to Jurel to provide stability behind the stumps and contribute with the bat in the middle order if he gets a chance ahead of Rahul.

Ishan Kishan again ignored

Ahead of the series, there were strong rumours that Rishabh Pant could be dropped from India’s ODI side for Ishan Kishan. But the BCCI chose to back the left-hander and retained him in the squad. 

Kishan was seen as the frontrunner to replace Pant in the 50-over setup, especially after his impressive form in domestic cricket for Jharkhand and inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

However, for the ODI setup, India’s plans do not include Ishan Kishan. The latter has been snubbed, as Dhruv Jurel has made the cut as Pant’s replacement.