Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is expected to join the national side a bit later than the original plan in preparation for the forthcoming series in ODIs. The Indian contingent is expected to congregate in Baroda on January 7.
However, Rishabh Pant has been allowed to delay his reporting so that he can fulfil the VHT commitments for Delhi. Delhi’s last match in the league stages of the national 50-over tournament is on January 8 in Bengaluru.
Rishabh Pant Paces Delhi’s Strong VHT Campaign
Rishabh Pant is leading the Delhi team in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and has had a remarkable season so far. The team is leading Group D with a tally of 20 points, having won five out of their six games so far. The team is yet to win against Odisha and is scheduled to play Haryana. Confirming the same, Delhi’s coach Sarandeep Singh said, “He is very much there, and he will play in the last game.”
Rishabh Pant’s Performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
The 28-year-old has been in good cricketing touch throughout the tournament. Rishabh Pant has scored 212 runs in six matches at an average of 42.4 with a strike-rate of 112.76, which includes two half-centuries.
Apart from these achievements, the time and situations at which Pant has made his appearances have been critical, and his leadership qualities have been instrumental in the success that Delhi is experiencing.
Rishabh Pant holds on to the position of the second ODI wicketkeeper of India
Rishabh Pant has been picked in the Indian squad for the ODI matches, acting as the second wicket-keeper. He has been playing this role ever since the home series against England in February, 2025.
There was immense speculation about Ishan Kishan having a possible preference in the ODIs against New Zealand. But the selection panel decided to back their decision on Pant, stating that there was no valid reason to leave him out, particularly since he has not played an ODI since August 2024.
Selectors Value Rishabh Pant’s Commitment to Domestic Cricket
As reported, the selectors have also taken into consideration Rishabh Pant’s commitment to domestic cricket, which proved to be in his favour. As already discussed, Rishabh Pant’s attitude towards playing in events like the Vijay Hazare Trophy gave him a distinct edge, something not normally found in established players in the international setup.
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Shreyas Iyer Also To Arrive Late in Baroda
Pant isn’t the only one entering late. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will join the Baroda side only after the last league match for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Punjab on January 8.
Iyer recently led the Mumbai team to victory over the Himachal Pradesh team in the match that took place in the Jaipur ground. He is being watched closely at the Centre of Excellence, considering that he has been out of action ever since the spleen surgery in October of the year 2025.
India Begin ODI Preparations Ahead of January 11 Opener
The Indian National team’s first-ever ODI is slated to take place on January 11. The Indian team is all set to practice their nets from January 8 onwards. Rishab Pant is likely to join the Indian team after completing his domestic commitments.
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