Rishabh Pant likely to be dropped from the India ODI squad? Here's the update
Rishabh Pant, currently captaining Lucknow Super Giants, is reportedly on the verge of being dropped from India’s ODI squad following a disappointing run of form in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Once considered a key player across formats, Pant has already fallen out of contention for the T20I side, and his place in the ODI setup now appears uncertain. Selectors are believed to be looking at alternative options, with Sanju Samson emerging as a strong candidate to take over the role of second-choice wicketkeeper-batter.
Sanju Samson likely to replace Rishabh Pant in the India ODI squad
At present, KL Rahul remains the frontrunner for the primary wicketkeeper position in the ODI team, thanks to his consistent performances and reliability. Pant, meanwhile, had been India’s backup wicketkeeper during their most recent ODI series against New Zealand at home in January. However, his campaign was interrupted when he suffered an injury midway through the series, which led to Dhruv Jurel stepping in as his replacement. With increasing competition and a dip in form, Pant’s position in India’s limited-overs setup appears to be under serious threat, and the coming selection decisions could significantly impact his international future.
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, Sanju Samson has moved ahead of Rishabh Pant in the race to serve as the backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul in India’s ODI squad. This shift reflects a change in the selectors’ preferences, although Dhruv Jurel is still being considered as a viable option in the mix. The report further noted that Samson has caught the attention of the selectors due to his exceptional batting performances in recent months. His impressive showing in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, combined with his strong form in the ongoing IPL season, has significantly boosted his chances of securing a regular spot in the national setup.
In what is being seen as a breakthrough phase in his career, Samson has enjoyed a remarkable debut season with Chennai Super Kings. He has already scored two centuries and accumulated 304 runs in just eight matches, showcasing both consistency and attacking flair. These performances have strengthened his case as a dependable wicketkeeper-batter option for India moving forward.
Despite not getting many chances in one-day internationals, Sanju Samson has made a strong impression whenever he has been picked. His numbers in the format underline both his consistency and quality as a batter. In just 14 innings, Samson has accumulated 510 runs at an impressive average of 56.67, which is significantly higher than many established players. His record also includes a century and three half-centuries, highlighting his ability to convert starts into impactful contributions. These performances suggest that he has the temperament and skill required to succeed at the highest level, even though his opportunities have been limited so far.
Looking ahead, India’s focus is already shifting toward long-term preparation for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. With around 20 ODIs lined up before the tournament, the team management is keen on finalizing a stable core. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir are reportedly focused on building a well-balanced squad capable of delivering strong results on the global stage.
India is set to play its next ODI series against Afghanistan starting June 14, offering players another opportunity to stake their claim in the 50-over format. While Rishabh Pant has been under pressure due to inconsistent performances in white-ball cricket, his position in the Test side remains largely unaffected. Pant continues to be valued for his match-winning abilities in the longest format, where he has delivered several impactful performances over the years. However, his recent form in Indian Premier League 2026 has raised concerns. Representing Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has managed just 189 runs in eight matches at an average of 27. Despite showing glimpses of form with a single half-century, he has struggled to maintain consistency. With competition for places intensifying, Pant will be keen to regain his rhythm and strengthen his case for selection in India’s limited-overs squads.
