"Sympathy quota, parchi": Fans divided over Rishabh Pant's inclusion into NZ ODI series

Fans divided over Rishabh Pant's ODI selection [Source: @HereToTroll72, @Rishabh_Pant_FC, @CSKIAN07x31/X.com]

Rishabh Pant has been retained as backup wicketkeeper in India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. However, fans were left divided on the internet on this development.

The three-game ODI series will commence next week in India, but the squad selection has triggered a widespread debate on social media platforms.

One such debate revolves around wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. He has been added as the backup to KL Rahul.

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Fans share mixed opinions on Rishabh Pant’s selection

Rishabh Pant last played an ODI in August 2024, and reports emerged last month that he might be dropped from the 50-over setup to accommodate either Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson.

However, contrary to the speculations, the selectors have put faith in Pant and retained him as the backup wicketkeeping option. 

While his fans were happy and welcomed the call, some internet users felt the selection was unfair. They argued that Pant’s form is unsatisfactory, and he is eating up the spots of more deserving candidates.

Some even alleged that the BCCI and the selection committee are being biased towards him and that Rishabh Pant is using some kind of a ‘sympathy card.’

"RISHABH PANT Right Now -" - @Gaurav_HRX

Fan tweet [Source: @Gaurav_HRX/X.com]

"Selectors destroys gambhir's agenda against rishabh pant 🥰" - @Rishabh_Pant_FC

Fan tweet [Source: @Rishabh_Pant_FC/X.com]

"Rishabh Pant Selected for NZ Series from Sympathy Quota over Sanju Samson!!!!"- @CSKIAN07x31

"Pant is part of justice league now. Can’t perform. But can pay “sports handles” as they call themselves. To peddle sob stories as if he didn’t get all format red carpet entry without any performance or playing in domestic." - @DarthVader_237

Fan tweets [Source: @CSKIAN07x31, @DarthVader_237/X.com]

"How can you say pant in parchi when he last played the game a year ago. Pant is in contention of ODI team for a while, and let him play 5-10 odi continuously them make any statment" - @Nayan_49

"So Rishabh Pant is the “backup” for the 2027 WC(at the moment), but when Iyer & Gill are unavailable vs SA, he still sits out. Instead, debutants walk straight into the 11 and get dropped later while Pant watches. Even after this if you think GG doesn't hate Pant, god knows. More deserving with intl exp. exists but justice? 😂🤣" - @cricwithpant2

Fan tweets [Source: @Nayan_49, @cricwithpant2/X.com]

This negative argument also holds up because Pant’s form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has been underwhelming. His scores include 67*, 24, 22, 70 and 5.

Moreover, Rishabh Pant hasn’t played white-ball formats for India for more than six months. While the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have been constantly proving their mettle through tons of runs in domestic cricket.

Also, from the 2027 ODI World Cup perspective, it seems Pant is the front-runner for the backup wicketkeeping option. 

Meanwhile, the three-game ODI series between India and New Zealand will begin on January 11 in Vadodara. 

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