Rishabh Pant, who was part of the recent India squad for the South Africa ODI series at home, is set to be excluded for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand that begins on January 11, 2026.

India’s preparation for the ICC World Cup 2027 has begun with the South Africa series and will continue against New Zealand as the three ODIs will be played from January 11 to 17. This series will be followed by five T20Is from January 21 to 31.

BCCI is expected to announce the India squad for the New Zealand series later this week, and reports have stated that India’s ODI plans appear set for a notable reshuffle, with Rishabh Pant likely to be left out.

As per the India Today report, sources close to the selection committee have indicated a shift in strategy as team management considers form and balance ahead of the final home game of the 2025–26 season.

Pant had last played an ODI for India against Sri Lanka in 2024, and while he was part of the India squad for the recent South Africa series, KL Rahul was preferred over him for the keeping slot. According to sources close to the situation, the selectors have opted to move on from Pant for the New Zealand series.

As Rishabh Pant finds himself out of favor in selection, Ishan Kishan’s stocks have risen significantly. Kishan, who was recently included in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, is also the likely candidate to replace Rishabh Pant as the second wicketkeeper in India’s ODI squad.

Kishan last played a 50-over match for India on October 11, 2023, in the ICC World Cup against Afghanistan in Delhi, and then fell out of BCCI’s favor due to various issues. Since then, Kishan has performed well in domestic and IPL cricket, rebuilding his case.

He played a huge role in Jharkhand’s maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy win recently, hitting a century in the final and top-scoring in the tournament. He also made a stunning 33-ball century in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 match as well.

India could also turn to Jitesh Sharma, a 32-year-old who is poised to make his ODI debut soon. Jitesh impressed in T20 Internationals with his finishing ability and versatility.

On the other hand, Shubman Gill is set to return as India’s ODI captain for the New Zealand series. He had missed the South Africa series due to his neck injury, where KL Rahul led the Men in Blue to a 2-1 series win.

Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Indian colors is likely to be a big question mark. The middle-order batsman has returned to training at the Centre of Excellence, but his availability for the forthcoming series is still being evaluated since his involvement would rely on final medical clearance.