Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the ODI squad ahead of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Pant has been a back-up wicketkeeper in the ODIs whereas Gaikwad got a chance in the middle order in Shreyas Iyer’s absence and proved his mettle with a century against South Africa. Ashwin feels that there was no need for a cover for the wicketkeeper and Gaikwad should’ve retained his place in the squad.
"Could Gaikwad have been kept in the squad? I think that was a real possibility. The only spot of contention is between Pant and Gaikwad. It was a straight decision. Shreyas Iyer deserved to come back after the injury, so no discussion there. It is his rightful position. The debate is over who goes out. Between a second wicketkeeper and a batter, you can get a keeper from anywhere to cover," Ashwin said on 'Ash ki Baat'.
"Who will keep a track on Ruturaj Gaikwad's mindset now? At four or five, I am sticking my neck out, his batting against spin and ability to run between wickets and close out an innings is phenomenal. I personally don't think Pant can bat in the middle-order in white-ball cricket at the moment. I think he is a top-three batter," he added.
The last time Pant played an ODI was against Sri Lanka in August 2024. Since then, Rahul has got regular chances. He has proved he is a utility player in the middle order. His role was crucial in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph as well.
When will Gaikwad get a long rope in ODIs?
Ashwin believes Gaikwad will get regular chances only when senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hang up their boots, bidding goodbye to the only format they play on the international stage.
"Ruturaj will get a long rope only when Rohit and Kohli decide to hang up their boots. Till then, getting a long run for him is going to be hard," he said.
Iyer returns after recovering from an injury
Notably, there was an asterisk in front of Iyer’s name as the squad for the three-ODI series against New Zealand was announced. His participation in the series is subject to fitness. Earlier, Sports Tak had reported that Iyer will play a Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 match on January 6 to prove he is ready to step into international arena after a rib injury on Australia tour which ruled him out of action for months.