India’s ODI plans appear set for a notable reshuffle, with Rishabh Pant likely to be left out of the squad for the upcoming three-match home series against New Zealand. The decision, learnt by India Today from sources close to the selection committee, points to a change in direction as the team management weighs form and balance ahead of the final home assignment of the 2025–26 season.
The three-match ODI series against New Zealand will be played from January 11 to 18, with the BCCI expected to announce India’s squad later this week. Pant’s omission could open the door for Ishan Kishan, whose prolific run in domestic cricket has put him firmly back in contention across formats.
Pant last played an ODI for India on August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Although he was named in India’s squad for the recent ODI series against South Africa, the left-hander did not feature in any of the matches. As per sources privy to the development, the selectors have now decided to move on from Pant for the New Zealand series.
In Pant’s absence, Ishan Kishan is expected to be the frontrunner for an ODI recall after more than two years. Kishan last played a 50-over match for India on October 11, 2023, against Afghanistan during the ODI World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Since then, the wicketkeeper-batter has rebuilt his case through a stunning run on the domestic circuit.
Kishan finished as the highest run-getter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 and played a key role in guiding Jharkhand to their maiden title in the tournament, which ultimately led to him being picked in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He capped off the campaign with a century in the final against Haryana in Pune. The left-hander carried that form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a 33-ball hundred against Karnataka on December 24 — the second-fastest List A century by an Indian batter.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is set to return as India’s ODI captain after recovering from a neck injury that ruled him out of the South Africa series. Gill’s comeback restores stability at the top of the order, while questions remain over vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who has resumed training at the Centre of Excellence but is yet to receive full clearance.
During the South Africa tour, KL Rahul led the ODI side in the absence of both Gill and Iyer, guiding India to a 2–1 series win. With Gill back in the frame, the leadership group is expected to revert to its original structure.
Pant, for his part, is currently leading Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. His domestic form has been inconsistent, with scores of 5 and 70 in his first two outings. Those performances are being closely watched, but for now, the New Zealand series appears set to mark a temporary pause in his ODI journey as India look to reward form and momentum in their selection calls.
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