Star India cricketer reacts after Rishabh Pant’s T20 World Cup SNUB, says…

Rishabh Pant is expected to be left out for the upcoming New Zealand ODI series, as KL Rahul has secured his spot as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter.

New Delhi: Rishabh Pant has been excluded form India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, as per media reports he might miss out on selection for the ODI series as well. It has been a challenging phase for the wicketkeeper-batter, who is returning from injury and has seen KL Rahul establish himself as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan have strengthened their chance following an impressive performances in domestic cricket. Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta feels Pant needs to clearly define his role in T20 cricket, questioning whether he views himself as a top-order batter, a middle-order option, or a finisher in the format.

“In T20 cricket, is he a top-three batter? Or is he a middle-order batter or is he a finisher? What’s he? He needs to answer these questions,” Dasgupta told India Today.

“As far as I am concerned, he is a top-three batter in T20I cricket. In ODIs, he is a good No.4 or No.5,” he added.

Deep Dasgupta said Pant should focus on his batting

Dasgupta further said that Pant should focus on his batting and continue scoring more runs in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy to strengthen his chances of earning a spot in the national side.

“I think he just needs to bat, and bat. He got a excellent 70-odd for Delhi. He just needs to keep scoring runs, playing white-ball cricket wherever he gets the opportunity – domestic or otherwise – and learn his trade, learn what suits him,” he added.

Pant is expected to be left out for the New Zealand ODI series

Rishabh Pant is expected to miss out on selection for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

According to sources closer to the selection committee. The team management may look at other options while picking the squad for the three-match series. Pant’s omission could open the door for Ishan Kishan to return to the ODI setup, following his strong performances in domestic cricket for Jharkhand.

Pant last played an ODI for India in August 2024 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. While he was included in the squad for the ODI series against South Africa, he did not get an opportunity to feature in the playing XI.