India wicketkeeper-batters Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant will not reportedly be picked in the three-match ODI squad against New Zealand. Sports Tak earlier reported that Pant is not considered for the selection of the fifty-over format squad against New Zealand. Notably, KL Rahul captained India in the last ODI assignment against South Africa where the Men in Blue registered 2-1 series win.
Who will be picked as the reserve wicketkeeper batter
Sportsstar reported that the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee is considering bringing back Ishan Kishan as the reserve wicketkeeper-batter behind KL Rahul. The report further stated that Ishan's recall is being backed by his performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) and the committee's view that he should be given adequate time to settle back into the Indian dressing room following a two-year absence.
Ishan's performance in VHT
Ishan, who is leading Jharkhand in the VHT, batted in the middle order and scored a brilliant 125 in his only outing in the fifty-over domestic tournament so far.
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Why Pant will be dropped from New Zealand ODI squad
The report also added that there are differing opinions within the selection panel about Rishabh Pant. Some feel that a senior player like him should not be dropped without being given enough chances, while others remain concerned about his ability to consistently control his shots in the shorter formats. Pant, who is captaining Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has managed just one half-century in four matches so far.
When will the BCCI selection meeting take place?
Sports Tak understands that the selection committee is set to meet virtually on Saturday to finalise the squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. With Shubman Gill returning from injury, he missed the last ODI series against South Africa. Reserve batter Jurel is expected to miss out, who served as a backup during the South Africa ODI series.
Gill is also likely to join the selection meeting. Reports suggest the meeting will take place in the evening, even though Gill is scheduled to play for Punjab against Sikkim in Jaipur from 9am IST in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.