In an enormous growth, the star India Nationwide Cricket Crew wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been dominated out of the upcoming ODI sequence in opposition to the New Zealand Nationwide Cricket Crew.
The event of Rishabh Pant being dominated out of the sequence in opposition to the BlackCaps was confirmed by the Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi on Saturday, January 10.
Rishabh Pant set to overlook New Zealand ODIs
The 28-year-old Pant has been within the information for some time. Earlier than the squad was introduced for the sequence in opposition to New Zealand, it was reported by a number of media retailers that the choice committee had made the choice to maneuver on from him in 50-over cricket.
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It was reported that Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, and Dhruv Jurel had been in competition to switch Rishabh Pant because the backup wicketkeeper-batsman within the Indian ODI setup.
Nevertheless, these stories had been quashed after the squad announcement as Rishabh Pant was retained because the backup wicketkeeper, with KL Rahul being the primary selection.
As Pant was retained, there have been hopes of him lastly getting the chance to function within the taking part in XI within the ODI sequence in opposition to the Kiwis. The previous Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan even picked Pant over KL Rahul in his taking part in XI.
Nevertheless, the hopes of Pant taking part in the sequence have been dashed. In the course of the follow session on Saturday, Rishabh Pant did a tough grind within the nets and spent numerous time.
Nevertheless, in the course of the finish phases of the session, Pant was hit by a supply, and he gingerly walked off the sphere. Now, it has been reported that the damage is a critical one and he has been dominated out of the New Zealand sequence.
If you happen to do not give Pant any possibilities, then how will he be capable to show? – Irfan Pathan
In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan acknowledged that Pant ought to be given the chance to show himself in ODI cricket.
“Rishabh Pant has fallen behind different wicket-keepers like Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma, however he ought to get alternatives as effectively, proper? KL Rahul has cemented his place because the ODI wicket-keeper, and is sort of forward, however should you do not give Pant any possibilities, then how will he be capable to show?” Irfan Pathan stated.
The New Zealand tour of India 2026 consists of a three-match T20I sequence and a five-match ODI sequence. The BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara will host the ODI sequence opener on Sunday, January 11, and the second 50-over recreation will probably be performed on the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14.
In the meantime, the ODI sequence will conclude with the match on the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18.
Nitish Kumar Reddy ought to be given extra alternatives – Irfan Pathan
Apart from Pant, Irfan Pathan additionally demanded constant alternatives for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been across the squad for some time however hasn’t been taking part in usually.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy ought to be given extra alternatives, even when he fails. There usually are not many all-rounders who can bowl at 130 kmph and may bat within the center order. Hardik Pandya grew to become the participant he’s now as a result of he was performed usually for the primary 2-3 years. The selectors, the staff administration, and followers should be affected person with Nitish Kumar Reddy as effectively, similar to they had been with Pandya up to now,” Irfan Pathan added.
Additionally Learn: Rishabh Pant compelled to grind arduous in nets as Virat Kohli skips follow earlier than 1st ODI vs NZ
