Wed Dec 31 13:40:24 UTC 2025: Summary:

Rishabh Pant is facing exclusion from both the T20 World Cup 2026 squad and the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to injury struggles, the rise of KL Rahul as a wicket-keeper option, and competition from emerging players like Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan. Former cricketer Deep Dasgupta suggests Pant needs to define his role in T20 cricket and focus on consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, to regain his place in the national team.

News Article:

Pant’s Future in Doubt: Dropped from T20 World Cup Squad, Likely to Miss ODI Series

New Delhi, India – Rishabh Pant’s position in the Indian national cricket team appears to be under scrutiny, with reports indicating his exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad and a likely omission from the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Sources close to the selection committee suggest the team management is considering a new direction, potentially opening the door for Ishan Kishan’s return to the ODI setup after impressive domestic performances.

Pant’s recent struggles with injury, coupled with KL Rahul solidifying his role as the preferred wicket-keeper in ODIs, have contributed to this situation. Rising talents like Dhruv Jurel are also vying for a spot.

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has weighed in on Pant’s situation, emphasizing the need for the dynamic batter to define his role in T20 cricket. “Is he a top-three batter? Or is he a middle-order batter or is he a finisher? What’s he? He needs to answer these questions,” Dasgupta stated.

Dasgupta advises Pant to concentrate on his batting and accumulate runs in domestic tournaments like the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. “I think he just needs to bat, and bat… He just needs to keep scoring runs, playing white-ball cricket wherever he gets the opportunity – domestic or otherwise – and learn his trade, learn what suits him,” he added.

Pant last played an ODI for India in August 2024 against Sri Lanka. While he was included in the squad for the ODI series against South Africa, he remained on the bench. His exclusion from the upcoming series against New Zealand raises serious questions about his future in the national team.

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