Rishabh Pant Retains ODI Spot: Domestic Cricket Commitment Key to Selection

• Rishabh Pant was retained in India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series, contrary to earlier media reports suggesting he would be dropped.
• Reports had indicated Ishan Kishan might replace Pant, but the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was included in the 15-member squad.
• Cricbuzz reported that Pant's position was never under threat as he hadn't played any recent ODIs, thus no performance-based reason to drop him.
• His commitment to domestic cricket, playing all five Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 matches for Delhi, earned him 'brownie points' with selectors.
• Pant led Delhi to four wins out of five matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries.

Why It Matters: Pant's domestic cricket dedication and lack of recent ODI chances secured his spot in India's squad.