NEW DELHI: India wrapped up their final preparations ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand with an optional training session in Vadodara on Saturday, where a few light-hearted moments stood out alongside serious practice.

Former captain Rohit Sharma was seen sharing batting advice with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who had walked in early for a brief stint in the nets. After Siraj failed to connect cleanly while attempting an ambitious slog, Rohit, waiting outside the net, stepped in with a few friendly pointers, drawing smiles from those watching.

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The session also saw a moment of concern when Rishabh Pant required brief medical attention after taking a blow during net practice, though he soon resumed without any visible discomfort.

Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, fresh from leading Mumbai in a narrow one-run defeat to Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier in the week, spent quality time batting alongside KL Rahul. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also took turns in the nets as India fine-tuned their preparations.

Siraj, Iyer and Pant had all been on domestic duty recently, with their respective Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures on January 8 marking their most recent match outings, making the session an important tune-up ahead of Sunday's series opener.

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Pant, however, was left grimacing in pain when he copped a blow just above his waist while batting against Indian throwdown specialists and was attended by the team’s support staff and other members, including head coach Gautam Gambhir.

After receiving some initial treatment, Pant walked off the field of the BCA Stadium's Ground B, where India captain Shubman Gill was seen having a long chat with the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar.

The three-ODI series against a new-look New Zealand team will get underway here with the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium set to host it's first men's international match.

The second ODI will be played at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium on January 14, while the third and final will be at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

(With PTI Inputs)