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Rishabh Pant posts a series of cryptic stories, all but confirming India ODI squad snub

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rishabh Pant shares cryptic post [Source: Rishabh Pant's IG and AFP]Rishabh Pant shares cryptic post [Source: Rishabh Pant's IG and AFP]

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shared a series of cryptic Instagram stories just as the year 2025 came to a close and 2026 was about to begin. The timing of these posts caught everyone’s attention, especially with India preparing to announce the squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to start on January 11. 

While welcoming the new year with positivity and gratitude, Pant’s messages appeared to quietly reflect his current situation in ODIs.

At the start of his story, Pant wrote “Lessons I learned in 2025,” setting the tone for what followed. The messages spoke about gratitude changing one’s mindset, focusing on things within control, avoiding comparisons, and slowing down to find answers. 

However, these words hinted strongly at his likely exclusion from the ODI squad.

Rishabh Pant's VHT form raises selection questions 

It is important to note that Pant’s recent performances in domestic cricket have not helped his case. In the ongoing VHT 2025-26, he has managed 121 runs from five matches while batting in his preferred middle-order role. When compared with other wicketkeepers, the numbers highlight the gap. 

Dhruv Jurel has scored 307 runs from just three matches, while Ishan Kishan scored 125 runs in the only game he played this season against Karnataka. These performances have naturally influenced the selectors’ thinking.

Notably, Pant last played an ODI in August 2024 against Sri Lanka. He was named in the squad for the South Africa series later, though he did not get a single opportunity in the playing XI. During that series, KL Rahul captained the side and kept wickets, leaving Pant and Jurel on the bench. 

With Rahul set to remain the first-choice wicketkeeper, the discussion now revolves around who fits in as the backup option.

Reports indicate that the selectors are leaning towards Ishan Kishan for the New Zealand ODIs. The left-handed batter from Jharkhand has shown encouraging form in the current VHT season. Jurel, despite outperforming Pant in domestic cricket, is yet to make his ODI debut. This raises the possibility that neither Pant nor Jurel may find a place in the squad.

Team balance may further complicate matters. If Shreyas Iyer fails to recover in time, Devdutt Padikkal could be brought in as a batting option, which may limit spots for wicketkeepers. Such scenarios leave Pant on the outside.

What lies ahead for Rishabh Pant

The main concern surrounding Pant is inconsistency. While he remains a player capable of turning matches on his own, selectors appear focused on form and reliability as India shape combinations for the next World Cup cycle. For now, Pant seems distant from India’s white-ball plans.

Looking ahead, the coming months will be important. Strong performances in domestic cricket could reopen doors as India begin planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Until then, Pant’s journey remains one of hope for a timely comeback.