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

Indian selectors are expected to prioritize current domestic form over past reputation while finalizing the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026. The change in mindset has placed Rishabh pants at the risk of missing out, while considerably increasing the chances of Ishan Kishan to serve as backup wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul.

The move underlines a wider selection philosophy focused on rewarding players who achieve consistent results in domestic cricket, particularly as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Ishan Kishan’s domestic rise strengthens his case

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

He carried this momentum into the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a blistering 33-ball century that marked peak form. The innings attracted particular attention as Kishan has not played an ODI since October 2023, but looks sharper, more confident and tactically evolved than before.

Selectors would appreciate not only his numbers but also his consistency and intent, particularly at the top of the order, attributes considered crucial in modern ODI cricket.

Rishabh Pant’s ODI future under scrutiny

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 match, and reports suggest that the selectors are now considering leaving him for the New Zealand ODIs.

Concern centers around his inconsistent domestic performances, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he struggled to string together reliable contributions. While Pant remains an

How is the wicketkeeper race going?

A look at the current contenders shows why Kishan is ahead:

• Ishan Kishan – Last ODI: October 2023 | Recent Highlights: Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title for Jharkhand, Vijay Hazare century | Strengths: Aggressive opener, sustained domestic form
• Rishabh pants – Last ODI: August 2024 | Recent Highlights: Inclusion in squad against South Africa but no appearance | Strengths: Explosive hitter, elite holding skills

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

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KL Rahul’s role remains unchanged

First-choice keeper-batsman stands firm

Despite the debate around the save point, KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice keeper-batsman in ODIs. The competition is aimed solely at the reserve role, but it represents an important test of India’s rotation policy, one that increasingly favors in-form domestic performers over established names who are falling on hard times.

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