IND vs NZ: India star to be dropped from ODI squad for New Zealand series

BCCI is yet to announce India's ODI squad for the series against New Zealand. But right ahead of the highly-anticipated India's announcement, Sports Tak has learnt that Rishabh Pant is all set to be dropped from India's ODI team for the New Zealand series.

Rishabh Pant to be axed from India's ODI squad for New Zealand series

Pant was there in India's ODI squad for the South Africa series, but he didn't play a single match. However, as a source privy to the development it has been known that the star wicketkeeper-batter will be axed for the three-match series against New Zealand, which is slated to start from January 11. Pant last featured in India's ODI squad in the series against Sri Lanka in 2024.

In that case, Ishan Kishan might get an entry to India's ODI fold, given his stunning form in the domestic cricket. Lately, he was also included in India's T20 World Cup squad.

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Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is set to make a return to the national side, resuming his duties as captain after recovering from a neck injury that sidelined him during the recent series against South Africa. While Gill’s return solidifies the top-order leadership, the status of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains a point of speculation. Iyer is nearing a comeback and has resumed training at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), though his official inclusion for the next series is still pending assessment.

In the absence of both Gill and Iyer during the Proteas tour, KL Rahul stepped in to lead the ODI squad, guiding the team to a 2-1 series victory. Rahul’s leadership provided stability during a transitional period, but with the regular captain back in the mix, the team hierarchy is expected to shift back to its original structure.

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Pant's ODI track record

Looking at Pant’s ODI track record, the wicketkeeper-batter has featured in 31 matches to date, accumulating 871 runs at a steady average of 33.50, recording just one ton and five half-centuries. Since making his ODI debut against the West Indies in October 2018, there has been a lingering feeling that he has yet to replicate the same game-changing impact in limited-overs cricket. However, he is still a force to be reckoned with in Test format.

Currently, Pant is leading Delhi side in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-2026. His performance in the domestic circuit has been a mixed bag so far; in his first two matches of the tournament, he registered scores of 5 and 70. These outings are being closely monitored by selectors as he looks to solidify his place in the national ODI setup ahead of upcoming international assignments.