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Rishabh Pant to Delay India ODI Call-Up, Play Final VHT Match for Delhi

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will join the Indian ODI squad late as he has permission to play Delhi's final Vijay Hazare Trophy league match against Haryana on January 8. Pant, who is leading Delhi in the domestic tournament, is expected to link up with the national team on January 9, just two days before the first ODI against New Zealand. Meanwhile, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also likely to join the squad late after making a successful return from injury for Mumbai in the VHT. Iyer's inclusion in the series is still subject to a final fitness clearance following his domestic appearances.

Key Points: Pant to Join India Team Late After Vijay Hazare Trophy Match

  • Pant gets permission for final VHT match
  • Will join India squad on Jan 9
  • KL Rahul remains first-choice keeper
  • Shreyas Iyer also to arrive late post-injury
2 min read

Pant set to join national team late after playing VHT match for Delhi: Report

Rishabh Pant will play Delhi's final VHT game before joining India's ODI squad vs NZ. Shreyas Iyer also set for late arrival after injury return.

"He (Pant) is very much here, and he will play the last game - Sarandeep Singh"

New Delhi, Jan 6

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to join the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand late, as he has decided to continue to appear for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, according to a news report.

Pant has, the report claimed, got permission to play the last league of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru on January 8 and will join the national team only after that, according to a report on Cricbuzz. India will be playing the first ODI match against New Zealand at Vadodara on January 11.

Pant is currently leading Delhi in the domestic 50-over competition, and his team is placed at the top of Group D with 20 points from six games. They will take on their final league fixture against Haryana and can join the national team at the latest on January 9, just two days before the first game.

"He (Pant) is very much here, and he will play the last game," Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh told Cricbuzz on Tuesday night.

Pant has been included in the ODI squad as the second wicketkeeper. K.L. Rahul has been the first-choice keeper of the Indian team since the domestic ODI series against England in February 2025.

Going by recent form, there was speculation that the selectors would pick Ishan Kishan as the second-choice wicket-keeper, but the selectors went with Pant as they felt that he had not gotten many chances in recent times.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of the team, is also likely to join the squad a bit late. Iyer returned to action in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai on Tuesday after recovering from the injury he suffered on the Australia tour in October last year.

Middle-order batter Iyer made a strong return from injury with a fluent 53-ball 82 for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh.

Iyer was named vice-captain of the India squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. His inclusion in the series, however, is subject to a fitness clearance following his appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate the selectors giving Pant a chance. He's been through so much. But honestly, joining just 2 days before the first ODI? That's cutting it very fine. Team bonding and strategy sessions matter. Hope this doesn't disrupt the team's preparation.
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Vikram M
Great to see both Pant and Iyer getting crucial game time in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Match fitness is different from net practice. They'll be sharper coming off competitive cricket. Delhi and Mumbai are lucky to have them for the final push! 🏏
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Rohit P
KL Rahul is the established keeper, so Pant's role is as a backup. His priority should be getting back into the groove, and playing for Delhi is perfect for that. The selectors have shown faith, now it's up to him to prove he's still that fearless match-winner.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I'm just thrilled to see Rishabh Pant back in the mix! His energy is infectious. Whether he plays or not against NZ, having him around the squad is a boost. Hope he smashes a quick fifty for Delhi before joining.
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Michael C
The schedule is insanely packed. Players are constantly juggling between domestic and international cricket. While Pant's dedication is commendable, the BCCI and team management need better coordination to avoid these last-minute arrivals. It's not ideal for a team sport.

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