Ishan Kishan Primed to Replace Rishabh Pant in India’s ODI Squad for New Zealand series
(Image of Ishan Kishan batting, as provided in the prompt)
Ishan Kishan is rapidly emerging as the frontrunner to take Rishabh Pant’s place in the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. This development signals a potential shift in India’s middle-order dynamics, especially as Shubman Gill is expected to resume captaincy duties. Let’s break down the factors driving this change and what it means for the future of Indian ODI cricket.
Pant’s Form and Recent History
Rishabh Pant’s ODI appearances have become increasingly infrequent. His last match was back on August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka. Even a recent inclusion in the South Africa squad didn’t translate into playing time, a clear indication of evolving team priorities.
Currently captaining Delhi in the vijay Hazare Trophy, Pant’s form has been inconsistent. Scores of 5 and 70 in his first two matches haven’t provided the strong argument for selection that the team is seeking,especially in a position demanding stability.
Kishan’s Resurgent form: A Compelling Case
Ishan Kishan, however, has forcefully re-entered the selection conversation. his recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, making a compelling case for a return to the ODI side after a gap of over two years – his last appearance was against afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.
Here’s a look at what’s fueling Kishan’s resurgence:
* Syed mushtaq Ali Trophy Dominance: He topped the run-scoring charts in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to their first-ever title.
* Final Century: Kishan sealed the victory with a brilliant century in the final against Haryana.
* Vijay Hazare Trophy Fireworks: He continued his momentum into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a blistering hundred off just 33 balls against Karnataka. This performance secured the second-fastest List A century by an Indian batsman.
You can see why selectors are taking notice. kishan’s ability to accelerate quickly and deliver match-winning innings is precisely what India needs in the middle order.
The Shreyas Iyer factor & Leadership Reset
The availability of Shreyas Iyer, India’s ODI vice-captain, remains a question mark as he continues to regain full fitness.This uncertainty further strengthens Kishan’s position.
The recent ODI series in South Africa, led by KL Rahul in the absence of Gill and Iyer, saw India secure a 2-1 victory. Though, with Gill expected back, the New Zealand series represents a reset. It’s not just about the playing XI; it’s about establishing a clear pecking order for a busy year of cricket ahead.
What This Means for You, the Cricket Fan
This situation highlights the depth of talent within the Indian cricket system. While Pant remains a valuable player, the emergence of Kishan demonstrates the importance of consistent performance.
For you, as a fan, this means an exciting period of competition for places and the potential for a dynamic and aggressive Indian ODI batting lineup. Keep an eye on Kishan – he’s a player who could become a key figure in India’s limited-overs future.
Key Takeaways:
* Ishan Kishan is the leading contender to replace rishabh Pant in the ODI squad.
* Kishan’s recent domestic form has been extraordinary, showcasing his ability to score quickly and consistently.
* The New Zealand series is a crucial chance for India to define its ODI strategy and pecking order.
This is a developing story, and we’ll continue to provide updates as the team selection is announced.
