Leading up to the squad announcement for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, speculations were rife that Rishabh Pant might fail to make a cut in the 15-member line-up. Many expected that Ishan Kishan will end up snatching the wicketkeeper spot and earn a recall after a two-year absence. However, when the 15-member squad was officially revealed on January 3, the Roorkee-born cricketer retained his place as a wicketkeeping option alongside KL Rahul.
How Rishabh Pant made the cut for New Zealand ODI series?
The scrutiny surrounding Pant stems from his recent lack of game time in the format. Despite being the second-choice keeper during the recent series against South Africa, he did not feature in any of the three matches. This follows a similar trend from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he remained on the bench for the duration of India’s five-match campaign.
ALSO READ: AB de Villiers declares this 32-year-old as India's X-factor for T20 World Cup 2026
Despite the rumors of a replacement, reports from Cricbuzz and other sources have since clarified that Pant’s spot was never actually under threat. The selection committee reportedly felt it would be unfair to drop him without a proper opportunity to perform, especially since his omission from the playing XI in South Africa was a matter of team balance rather than a reflection of poor form. By maintaining him in the squad for the series starting January 11 in Vadodara, the management has signaled their continued faith in his match-winning potential.
The report also suggested that there was no logical basis for removing him from the roster. The source noted that it would be premature to consider a replacement since Pant hasn't even had the opportunity to step onto the field in recent ODIs, let alone struggle or fail in one. This 'blank slate' approach ensured that the selectors maintained their trust in his abilities while waiting for the right opening to reintegrate him into the starting XI.
ALSO READ: England star calls Brendon McCullum his best coach ever amidst team's Ashes failure
Rishabh Pant reaps harvest for dedication to domestic cricket
Beyond the tactical side, Pant’s recent dedication to the domestic circuit has significantly boosted his standing with the board. In a notable departure from the behavior of many high-profile internationals, the 28-year-old made himself available for all five of Delhi's matches in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. This willingness to grind at the state level provided him with valuable match practice while demonstrating a team-first attitude.
According to the Cricbuzz report, this proactive approach earned him substantial brownie points with the selection committee. By prioritizing domestic appearances when not on international duty, Pant proved his fitness and commitment to the format, effectively silencing rumors of an exit and securing his place in the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.