Ishan Kishan vs Rishabh Pant: Who deserves India's ODI spot? An analytical breakdown

Ishan Kishan vs Rishabh Pant ODI stats comparison [Source: @IshanWK32, @BhttDNSH100/X.com]

With India set to name their squad for the ODI series against New Zealand, the biggest talking point is the possible omission of Rishabh Pant in favour of Ishan Kishan. On the surface, it looks like a routine selection call driven by form and team balance. 

Scratch deeper, though, and it opens up a larger debate about fairness, continuity, and how modern ODI roles are being judged.

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Rishabh Pant out of ODI setup since 2024

For starters, Rishabh Pant hasn’t played an ODI since August 2024. He was part of squads, including the Champions Trophy 2025, warmed the bench, and slowly drifted to the fringes. 

Add to that the rumours of friction with head coach Gautam Gambhir, rumours that haven’t been officially confirmed, and the narrative has become louder than the cricket itself. 

But selection should ultimately come down to numbers, impact, and fit. That’s where Ishan Kishan makes a strong case.

Ishan Kishan edges past Rishabh Pant with strong form

(Table: Ishan Kishan vs Rishabh Pant ODI stats)

After 27 ODIs, Ishan Kishan has 933 runs at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate of 102.19. Rishabh Pant, after the same number of games, had 840 runs at 36.52 with a higher strike rate of 108.80. 

Kishan’s numbers show greater consistency, especially for a top-to-middle-order batter. He has eight 50-plus scores, including a double century, compared to Pant’s six. 

More telling is Kishan’s record in wins. In matches India have won, Kishan averages nearly 43 with a strike rate over 106. Pant, in winning causes, averages just over 40 but has played far fewer matches in those situations. 

Also, Ishan’s performances suggest he has often contributed when India were on top, something selectors value in ODI cricket, where stability matters as much as flair.

Pant’s strength, however, lies elsewhere. His ODI strike rate is superior, and at his best, he offers a game-changing gear few Indian batters possess. 

His 125* against England remains one of the finest ODI knocks by a wicketkeeper. Even now, his domestic form isn’t poor. A recent 70 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on a difficult surface showed he is far from out of touch.

Who fits better in India’s ODI plans?

So why does Ishan Kishan feel like the better fit right now? India’s ODI approach has shifted. The emphasis is on tempo without chaos, batters who can rotate strike, bat deep, and still accelerate. 

Kishan’s game aligns neatly with that philosophy. After losing central contract due to controversies, he bounced back. 

The wicket-keeper batter earned his place back and has also been active in domestic cricket, piling on runs and reminding selectors of his hunger after being out of the national setup. 

Dropping Rishabh Pant, though, risks sending a confusing message. He hasn’t failed in ODIs. He’s simply not been given chances. Being benched repeatedly and then removed altogether feels harsh, especially for a player who has delivered in pressure moments across formats.

Final thought

Choosing Ishan Kishan over Rishabh Pant can be justified on current numbers, recent rhythm, and tactical fit. 

But it also borders on injustice if Pant is sidelined without a clear run or communication. This isn’t about one being better than the other. It’s about clarity.

If Ishan Kishan plays, it should be because he’s earned it, not because Rishabh Pant has quietly slipped through the cracks. Selection is always about tough calls, but fairness lies in transparency, and that’s what will decide how this decision is remembered.

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