Reasons why Rishabh Pant deserves another chance in ODIs

Rishabh Pant’s case for an ODI recall is back in focus as India shapes its squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Pant hasn’t played an ODI since August 7, 2024, against Sri Lanka, and an injury kept him out of India’s ODI series in New Zealand in January 2026, when Dhruv Jurel replaced him. In 31 ODIs, Pant has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50, with one century and five fifties, including a top score of 125*. Support for his return is built around three themes. His left-handed batting would add balance in a middle order that is mostly right-handed, offering a specialist option rather than relying on all-rounders for variation. As a wicket-keeper-batter, he provides a dependable second keeping option alongside KL Rahul, potentially allowing Rahul to bat without wicketkeeping duties. The article also points to Pant’s power and finishing ability—91 fours and 26 sixes—plus his strike rate of 106.21 and proven ability to rebuild after collapses.