Pant’s role and Siraj’s return in focus as India pick ODI squad for New Zealand series

Selectors meet to pick India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series starting January 11 in Vadodara. Pant’s role as wicketkeeper and Siraj’s return to the pace attack are key talking points, with Sarfaraz Khan and Padikkal also in contention

New Delhi: The indefatigable duo of Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj is expected to be the big talking point on Saturday when the selectors pick a 15-member Indian ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara.

While no major shake-ups are expected in the squad that beat South Africa a few weeks ago, two specific concerns could be addressed by the Ajit Agarkar-chaired selection committee.

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The first issue is Pant’s position as the second wicketkeeper, with Ishan Kishan showing his hitting prowess in the middle order for Jharkhand and Dhruv Chand Jurel smashing a ‘Daddy Hundred’ for UP in the domestic circuit.

Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have shown an inclination to select personnel based on team combination. In T20 Internationals, they have preferred keepers who are openers such as Sanju Samson and Kishan. In ODIs, however, the keeper is needed to be a middle-order batter, coming in at No.5 or 6.

Pant has played just one ODI between July 2024 and December 2025 under Gambhir’s tenure. His tally of 31 ODIs in eight years with an average of less than 35 does not reflect his potential. Even his critics agree he has more impact than Kishan and Jurel.

However, his shot selection in the recent Guwahati Test against South Africa did not impress the head coach or the selectors. Dropping him without a fair run could also raise uncomfortable questions.

The second aspect is the selection of pacers. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested with the T20 World Cup in mind. It remains to be seen if Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, who played against South Africa, will also be given a break.

Siraj, overlooked for the Champions Trophy and the South Africa series, has not played in the first four rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy but may feature for Hyderabad in the last three rounds. His omission from the 50-over setup after being a regular till the 2023 World Cup has been baffling.

In the case of Mohammed Shami, though he continues to play for Bengal across formats, there is a view that he may be past his prime in international cricket. Communication between Shami and the selectors has also not been clear.

Among Vijay Hazare Trophy performers, Sarfaraz Khan (for No.4) and Devdutt Padikkal (opener) are genuine contenders. But with Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal already assured of places, Padikkal may find it tough. Sarfaraz has been brilliant domestically, but Ruturaj Gaikwad surged ahead with a century against South Africa.

In the end, all debates may prove to be a storm in a teacup if the selectors decide to maintain status quo.