As India prepare to host New Zealand for a key ODI series next month, the spotlight has shifted to the debate over the back-up wicketkeeper-batter. While KL Rahul remains the undisputed first-choice option, the question troubling selectors is whether to persist with Rishabh Pant or turn to an in-form Ishan Kishan.
Ishan Kishan’s recent domestic exploits make a strong case for his recall. His resurgence has been built on consistency, resilience, and standout performances, including a century in Jharkhand’s Vijay Hazare Trophy opener and a tournament-winning campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the highest run-scorer. His domestic numbers in List A cricket are equally impressive, strengthening the argument for rewarding form.
However, dropping Rishabh Pant without giving him a proper run in ODIs raises questions of fairness. Pant’s journey back to international cricket has been anything but straightforward. After being sidelined by a serious car accident in December 2022, he returned to competitive cricket in IPL 2024 and gradually re-entered the ODI set-up. Yet, despite being part of multiple squads — including tours of Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Australia — he has struggled to get consistent game time, largely due to team combinations and KL Rahul’s presence.
Pant’s List A numbers are comparable to Kishan’s, but they are spread across several years, underlining the lack of sustained opportunities rather than a lack of ability. Despite remaining in the ODI mix, he has often found himself warming the bench, even when recalled alongside other wicketkeeping options such as Dhruv Jurel.
The selection dilemma ultimately boils down to form versus context. Kishan is undeniably in red-hot form and deserves recognition, but Pant has barely been given a fair chance to reclaim his place since returning from injury. A home ODI series against New Zealand presents a low-risk opportunity for selectors to assess Pant properly before making a long-term call.
If India are serious about building depth and clarity ahead of major ICC tournaments, offering Pant an extended run in familiar conditions may be the more balanced approach — at least before shutting the door and turning fully to other options.