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

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.

Ishan Kishan’s domestic surge strengthens his case

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.

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 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.

How the wicketkeeper race stands?

A snapshot of the current contenders highlights why Kishan is edging 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 Pant – Last ODI: August 2024 | Recent highlights: Squad inclusion vs South Africa but no appearance | Strengths: Explosive batting, elite keeping skills

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

KL Rahul’s role remains unchanged

First-choice keeper-batter stays firm

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