Rishabh Pant vs Ishan Kishan: Selectors rethink about backup wicketkeeper for New Zealand ODIs

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India’s selectors are set to prioritise current domestic form over past reputation while finalising the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026. The shift in thinking has placed Rishabh Pant at risk of missing out, while significantly boosting the chances of Ishan Kishan to serve as the backup wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul.

The move underlines a broader selection philosophy focused on rewarding players delivering consistent results in domestic cricket, particularly as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Kishan has been one of the standout performers across India’s domestic season, making a compelling argument for national recall. He topped the run charts in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to their maiden title and capping the campaign with a memorable century in the final.

He has carried that momentum into the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a blistering 33-ball century that signalled peak form. The innings has drawn particular attention because Kishan has not played an ODI since October 2023, yet appears sharper, more confident and tactically evolved than before.

Selectors reportedly value not just his numbers, but his consistency and intent, especially at the top of the order—attributes seen as crucial in modern ODI cricket.

Pant, meanwhile, has not featured in an ODI since August 2024 against Sri Lanka. Although he was named in the squad for the South Africa series, he did not get a game, and reports suggest selectors are now considering moving on from him for the New Zealand ODIs.

The concern centres on his inconsistent domestic performances, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has struggled to string together reliable contributions. While Pant remains an X-factor batter with proven match-winning ability, selectors appear unconvinced about his current rhythm and reliability at a time when India are tightening combinations ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

A snapshot of the current contenders highlights why Kishan is edging ahead:

Reports indicate Kishan has moved ahead of alternatives like Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, making him the likely second-choice keeper for the series.

Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya to get break as India plan rotation for New Zealand ODIs

Despite the debate around the backup spot, KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. The competition is purely for the reserve role, but it represents an important test of India’s rotation policy- one that increasingly favours in-form domestic performers over established names going through lean patches.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for the 2025 ICC Cricketer of the Year Award