Thu Jan 01 18:33:50 UTC 2026: Pant’s ODI Future in Doubt as Selectors Mull Squad for New Zealand Series

New Delhi: Rishabh Pant’s place in the Indian ODI squad is under scrutiny as the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, prepares to announce the team for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. Despite being part of the ODI setup in recent months, Pant hasn’t played a single ODI in 2025. His patchy form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, coupled with the emergence of other wicketkeeping options, has cast a shadow over his selection.

While Pant has shown glimpses of his potential in the past, including a century and several substantial scores in ODIs between 2021 and 2022, he has struggled to find consistency since his return to the team. A solitary ODI appearance in Colombo since returning from injury and just one significant score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy hasn’t helped his cause.

Ishan Kishan, who has displayed explosive hitting in the middle order, and Dhruv Jurel, who has scored a century and was recently part of the ODI setup, are also in contention for the wicketkeeper-batter spot.

Selectors also face a selection dilemma in the top order. Devdutt Padikkal, boasting an impressive average in domestic cricket, is knocking on the door, but the return of Shubman Gill and the presence of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal make it difficult to accommodate him. Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been tried at number four.

In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are expected to be rested, potentially opening doors for Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. There are whispers of a possible return for veteran Mohammed Shami. The spin department appears settled with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.

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