The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on January 3, 2026. Ruturaj Gaikwad was surprisingly left out despite scoring his maiden ODI century in the previous series against Australia. He had performed well at number four in the middle order as a replacement during Shreyas Iyer’s injury absence. Many felt Gaikwad deserved a spot given his consistency and adaptability in white-ball cricket. However, selectors chose Rishabh Pant as the backup middle-order option once Iyer returned to the team.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin analyzed the selection on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat.’ He described the choice between Gaikwad and Pant as a straight tussle for the middle order. Ashwin praised both players but pointed out that Pant’s left-handedness likely tipped the scales in his favor. He explained that the team already has a heavy right-handed top order with Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Adding another right-hander in Gaikwad would have created an imbalance. Pant’s inclusion provides variety and a left-right combination in the batting lineup.

Ashwin acknowledged Gaikwad’s strong credentials as a top-order batter who has also shown excellent ability against spin. He highlighted Gaikwad’s quick running between wickets and his skill in closing out innings effectively. Despite these qualities, Ashwin felt Gaikwad suits the middle order better than Pant at this stage. In contrast, he believes Pant is more effective batting higher up the order, ideally in the top three. Ashwin suggested Pant currently struggles to adapt to middle-order responsibilities in white-ball formats.

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Pant’s selection also positions him as a backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul. With a vacancy at number five, head coach Gautam Gambhir might prefer the extra batter against New Zealand. Pant has been in decent form, scoring a couple of impressive fifties in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. His aggressive style could add firepower lower down the order if required. The three-match series begins on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by games in Rajkot and Indore. This assignment serves as key preparation before the T20 World Cup in February.

The debate over Pant versus Gaikwad reflects the selectors’ focus on team balance and left-right combinations. While Gaikwad’s exclusion has disappointed many fans, Pant’s left-handedness provides strategic value in a right-hand-dominant batting unit. Ashwin’s analysis highlights how such small factors often decide close calls in Indian cricket selections. The coming series will show whether the choice proves effective in practice. India’s depth continues to make tough decisions inevitable.

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