Ishan Kishan Ahead Of Rishabh Pant In Wicketkeeper Race For IND vs NZ ODIs: Report

Ishan Kishan had emerged as the frontrunner for India’s ODI wicketkeeper spot after a string of standout domestic performances.

Ishan Kishan has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket and is currently leading the race for a place in India’s upcoming ODI squad against New Zealand. His consistent run of strong performances has put him ahead of other contenders for the wicketkeeper-batter role.

Recent reports suggest that wicketkeeper-batters Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant are unlikely to be included in the three-match ODI series. According to a Sportstar report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), under the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, is considering bringing back Ishan Kishan as the reserve wicketkeeper-batter behind KL Rahul.

The selectors appear confident in Ishan’s readiness, with his domestic performances indicating that he is prepared for a return to the Indian team.

Ishan Kishan’s domestic run boosts chances

Ishan’s rise follows an impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, which earned him a recall to the T20 World Cup squad. He has carried that form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 while representing Jharkhand. In just one match of the tournament so far, he smashed a sensational 125 runs off only 39 balls.

Earlier, in the SMAT 2025, Ishan topped the run charts and played a key role in helping Jharkhand lift the title, further strengthening his case across formats.

ALSO READ | Australia Confident Pat Cummins And Josh Hazlewood Will Be Fit For T20 World Cup

Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant in the mix

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has also impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. He has featured in four matches, scoring 324 runs at an average of 108 and a strike rate of 137.87. His campaign included two back-to-back half-centuries, followed by a commanding 160 not out against Baroda.

Rishabh Pant, however, has had a mixed run in recent times. His last ODI appearance came in August 2024, when he was part of the squad for the South Africa series but did not play a match. Leading Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Pant has struggled for consistency, with scores of 5, 70, 22 and 24, making his selection less certain.

Kishan edges ahead in tight selection battle

India’s ODI wicketkeeper-batter slot remains highly competitive. KL Rahul continues as the first-choice option, while the second spot is mainly contested by Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.

At present, Ishan Kishan’s explosive and consistent domestic form gives him a clear edge over the others, offering selectors a reliable option for the New Zealand ODIs. In the latest Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Kerala at the ADSA Railways Cricket Ground, he scored 21 runs off 21 balls.

Ishan last played an ODI for India on October 11, 2023, against Afghanistan during the ODI World Cup in Delhi, where he scored 47. The Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand is expected to be announced on January 3, with the series set to begin on January 11.