Gautam Gambhir ends Rishabh Pant’s ODI career; Ishan Kishan sealed as permanent replacement

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to drop wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant from the India squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. With Pant's omission, Ishan Kishan is expected to return to the ODI setup after a gap of more than two years.

India’s squad, led by Shubman Gill, for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand is yet to be named. The three-match contest will be India’s final 50-over assignment until the IPL 2026 ends. India will take on the Black Caps from January 11 to 18, with matches set to take place in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.

Rishabh Pant Likely to Miss Out on India’s ODI Squad for New Zealand Series

According to the India Today report, Rishabh Pant is likely to be dropped from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. The team management is looking at a new direction in the 50-over format.

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Pant has been part of the ODI squad as a back-up since his return from injury in 2024. However, selectors have decided to move on from him in this format.

If Rishabh Pant is left out, he will become a one-format player for India, as he is not part of the T20I setup either and currently features only in Test cricket. The left-handed batter is the vice-captain of the national team in Test cricket.

Rishabh Pant’s ODI Future Under Review Ahead of New Zealand Series

Rishabh Pant last played an ODI on August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He was part of the squad for the recent South Africa series but did not feature in a single match, serving as a back-up wicketkeeper to KL Rahul.

In ODIs, Pant has scored 871 runs from 31 matches at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.22, including five half-centuries and one century.

Pant is currently captaining Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 5 and 70 in his first two games. While his performances are being closely monitored, the New Zealand series is likely to see a change as India prioritize form-based selections.

Ishan Kishan Set for Possible ODI Return After More Than Two Years

The report added that Ishan Kishan could return to India’s ODI squad after more than two years. Kishan last played an ODI on October 11, 2023, during the World Cup against Afghanistan.

After leaving the South Africa tour later that year for a mental health break, he did not feature in any more 50-over matches and also lost his central contract. Kishan led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer in the 2025 edition.

He carried that form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a 33-ball hundred against Karnataka on December 24. It was the second-fastest List A century by an Indian batter.

In ODIs, Kishan has scored 933 runs from 27 matches at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate of 102.19, including a double century. With these numbers and his recent domestic performances, he has emerged as a strong candidate to return to the ODI side.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer eyes New Zealand series return as BCCI monitors fitness at CoE Bengaluru