As Team India prepares for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara, the selection table has become a zone of intense debate. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faces several tricky calls, with Rishabh Pant’s uncertain future, Mohammed Shami’s potential return, and an overcrowded batting lineup emerging as the biggest talking points.
While fans expect clarity, the upcoming squad announcement may raise more questions than answers—especially around who gets left out rather than who gets picked.
Rishabh Pant’s ODI Future: Talent vs Team Philosophy
One of the most discussed issues ahead of the New Zealand series is Rishabh Pant’s place in India’s ODI plans. Despite being one of India’s most impactful batters across formats, Pant’s ODI journey has never truly taken off.
It is no longer a secret within cricketing circles that at least one senior figure in the Indian team management is not fully convinced by Pant’s high-risk, high-reward batting style in ODIs. The belief is that while Pant thrives in Tests and T20Is, his aggressive approach can sometimes disrupt stability in the 50-over format.
However, dropping him now—without offering him even a single ODI in the last 18 months—could appear harsh and unfair.
Pant’s Numbers Don’t Tell the Full Story
Pant’s form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has been mixed. He has managed just one half-century in four matches, which on paper doesn’t scream selection certainty. But context matters.
The pitches at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence, where Delhi played, were far from batting-friendly. While that doesn’t fully excuse dismissals in the 20s, it does offer some explanation.
More importantly, Pant’s ODI career has been fragmented by circumstances beyond his control:
- Only 31 ODIs since debut in 2018
- Two brief consistent phases before COVID-19 and his car accident
- Best stretch: 15 ODIs between 2021 and 2022, including a century, two 75+ scores, and an 85
- Since returning from injury, just one ODI appearance—in Colombo under new head coach Gautam Gambhir
Judging a player of Pant’s calibre without sustained opportunities raises legitimate questions.
Pant’s form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has been mixed. He has managed just one half-century in four matches, which on paper doesn’t scream selection certainty. But context matters.
The pitches at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence, where Delhi played, were far from batting-friendly. While that doesn’t fully excuse dismissals in the 20s, it does offer some explanation.
More importantly, Pant’s ODI career has been fragmented by circumstances beyond his control:
- Only 31 ODIs since debut in 2018
- Two brief consistent phases before COVID-19 and his car accident
- Best stretch: 15 ODIs between 2021 and 2022, including a century, two 75+ scores, and an 85
- Since returning from injury, just one ODI appearance—in Colombo under new head coach Gautam Gambhir
Judging a player of Pant’s calibre without sustained opportunities raises legitimate questions.
The Wicketkeeper Logjam: Rahul, Kishan, Pant, and Jurel
India is currently facing an unusual challenge—having too many high-quality wicketkeepers. KL Rahul has firmly secured his position as the first-choice batter-keeper. Ishan Kishan has been in excellent form, especially noted for his explosive six-hitting performances in domestic matches. Dhruv Jurel recently made headlines with a remarkable “Daddy Hundred” for Uttar Pradesh. Rishabh Pant, despite not having many opportunities, continues to be the most impactful match-winner among them.
Selecting three wicketkeepers in a 15-member ODI squad appears unnecessary.
If only two are chosen, one player will be left out, and this decision could shape future developments. From a purely impact standpoint, Pant still delivers more than Jurel, while Kishan’s explosive performances in white-ball cricket make him a tough choice to ignore. This puts Pant in a difficult position, where the issue isn’t talent, but rather timing.
Middle Order Shuffle: Gaikwad, Iyer, and the Padikkal Dilemma
Another interesting storyline involves Devdutt Padikkal, who has been extremely impressive in domestic cricket.
His performance statistics are quite remarkable:
- He has an average of over 92 in 37 List-A matches.
- In the current National Championship, he has scored three centuries in four games.
- Usually, such a strong run would ensure a place in the national team.
- However, India’s top order is currently very full.
The team currently has:
- Rohit Sharma coming back from injury
- Shubman Gill leading the batting line-up
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, who recently scored a century in ODIs
- Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been tried at position four and has now scored a century
- There is simply no space in the top four positions.
- Gaikwad’s move to number four was initially a temporary change following Shreyas Iyer’s injury, but his recent century has boosted his chances.
- Removing him now would not be wise.
Despite Padikkal’s outstanding performances, the selectors are unlikely to change the current top order unless they bring in an additional specialist batter—which does not seem likely.
The Bowling Department: Rotation and Recovery in Focus
The bowling unit is where changes are expected—and largely accepted.
Bumrah and Hardik Likely Rested
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, workload management is key.
- Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested
- Hardik Pandya, India’s pace-bowling all-rounder, is also likely to sit out
This opens the door for younger fast bowlers.
Rana and Arshdeep in the Frame
- Harshit Rana has impressed with raw pace and aggression
- Arshdeep Singh, already a T20 regular, offers left-arm variety
Both are strong candidates to lead the pace attack against New Zealand.
Mohammed Shami’s Possible Comeback: Experience vs Future Planning
Perhaps the most emotionally charged discussion is around Mohammed Shami.
After recovering from injury and missing significant cricket, there is buzz about Shami making a return post-Champions Trophy. His ODI pedigree is unquestionable—especially in ICC events.
However, the selection committee faces a tough question:
- Do they bring back a seasoned campaigner for short-term stability?
- Or invest in younger fast bowlers for long-term planning?
If India is looking for experience against a strong New Zealand batting lineup, Shami’s name could resurface. But if the focus is on transition, selectors may hesitate to “turn the clock back.”
Spin Department: No Major Surprises Expected
India’s spin resources seem stable, in contrast to batting and pace bowling.
Ravindra Jadeja provides batting depth and control.
Washington Sundar improves matchups and versatility.
India’s top wicket-taking spinner in ODIs is still Kuldeep Yadav.
Unless circumstances require an additional specialist, this trio is probably going to stay the same.