Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir (Source: AFP)
India's preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand have taken an unexpected turn, with strong reports suggesting that Rishabh Pant is likely to be excluded from the squad. The series is scheduled to be played at home from January 11 to 18, and the BCCI is expected to announce the team later this week.
Pant's possible omission has raised several eyebrows, mainly because there is no clear dip in form or fitness to justify the move. It has also led to a speculation about whether head coach Gautam Gambhir might have played a role in this decision.
No rift between Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir
Rumours of tension between Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir gained momentum after the head coach’s "playing to the gallery" was said after India's defeat in the Ranchi Test against South Africa. Some believed the comment was directed at Pant.
However, as per a recent report from RevSportz, people close to the Indian team have firmly denied any rift between the two.
"There’s absolutely no bad blood,” a source close to the development told RevSportz on condition of anonymity. "Maybe, people are trying to correlate it with Gambhir’s ‘playing to the gallery’ comment after the Ranchi Test against South Africa. But in the team talk, the coaching staff didn’t single out Pant for the defeat."
Why are selectors looking beyond Pant?
It is important to mention that the star player last played an ODI on August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Although he was included in India's squad for the recent ODI series against South Africa but he did not get a single game. This has raised questions about where he currently stands in India's 50-over plans.
Despite limited international opportunities, Rishabh Pant has not been out of form. On December 26, 2025, he scored a fighting 70 off 79 balls against Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
So why would the selectors move on from him now?
According to sources, the main reason is team balance and the direction India wants to take in ODIs. Some selectors believe the team needs a wicketkeeper-batter whose batting style better fits India’s current approach in the format.
Ishan Kishan back in the frame
If Rishabh Pant is excluded, Ishan Kishan has emerged as the leading contender for a comeback. Ishan Kishan has not played an ODI match for India since October 11, 2023. However, the young star has worked hard to make his way back into the team.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Ishan Kishan played a crucial role in Jharkhand’s historic title win.
He was the highest run-scorer and made 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and a strike-rate of 197.33. Recently, he also smashed a blazing century (125 runs off 39 balls) in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
His domestic form also earned him a place in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
.jpg)
