IND vs NZ ODI Series: Is Ishan Kishan Set to Replace Rishabh Pant?

The hype for the upcoming white ball series against New Zealand is high as the Indian players, especially Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are in-form and the fans are waiting to see some more centuries in the upcoming matches. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the T20I squad for the series, the ODI squad is yet to come.

Reports suggest that the board is planning to announce the squad by January 4, as the series will start on January 11. The squad might have some surprising changes as Shubman Gill's availability is still in question. Apart from that, Rishabh Pant is likely to be replaced by Ishan Kishan.

Is Rishabh Pant Dropped from IND vs NZ ODI Series?

India's star batter Rishabh Pant was included in the ODI series against South Africa, but didn't get a match to play. In fact, he warmed the benches for the entire series and is now likely to be replaced by Ishan Kishan in the ODI series. Reports suggest that the BCCI is eyeing a return to the squad for Ishan, considering his recent form.

Not only in the T20, but Ishan has performed brilliantly in the ODIs as well, which might be the main reason behind his selection. Ishan Kishan ODI comeback might be a huge thing as he is also counted among the best wicket-keeper in India, but he is likely to find it difficult to make it into the playing XI in the IND vs NZ ODI series. There are many players whose performance was impressive in the previous series and hence, Ishan might also have to warm benches in the New Zealand series.

Ishan Kishan's Recent Performances in White-ball Cricket

With consistency and hard work, Ishan Kishan has made his way back into the T20 squad against New Zealand, which is a huge achievement. The 27-year-old player has participated in almost all the domestic matches and played well, which is why he was included in the T20I squad. In the SMAT 2025, he played in 10 innings and scored 517 runs, including the 49-ball century in the finals. He helped Jharkhand lift the trophy and was the leading run-scorer in the tournament.

Moreover, he also hit a record number (33) of sixes in the SMAT 2025 and batted at a strike rate of 197.32. Even in the first game of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, he slammed a century and impressed the selectors. His consistent performance in every format is the key reason behind his comeback and a lesson for all the young budding cricketers as well. Overall, it has been a productive year for Ishan, and he hopes that the upcoming season will be equally fruitful. He is also included in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad and will be looking forward to the opportunity and doing well for the Indian team.