Will Pant Join the National Team Late After Playing VHT Match for Delhi?
Synopsis
Rishabh Pant's commitment to Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy leads to a late arrival for the ODI series against New Zealand. As the team captain, Pant aims for a strong finish before joining the national squad, raising questions about team dynamics. Will he be ready in time for the crucial matches?
Key Takeaways
Rishabh Pant prioritizes Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
He will join the national team after the last league match.
The first ODI against New Zealand is on January 11.
Pant's leadership and form are crucial for Delhi.
Shreyas Iyer is also recovering and may join late.
New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to join the Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand later than anticipated, as he has opted to continue representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26, according to a recent news report.
According to the report, Pant has received authorization to participate in the final league match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru on January 8 and will only link up with the national team following this match, as detailed by Cricbuzz. The first ODI against New Zealand is scheduled for January 11 in Vadodara.
Pant is presently captaining Delhi in this domestic 50-over tournament, where his team currently leads Group D with 20 points from six matches. Their last league game is against Haryana, and he can join the national team by January 9, just two days ahead of the first ODI.
“He (Pant) is very much here, and he will play the last game,” stated Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh to Cricbuzz on Tuesday night.
Pant has been included in the ODI squad as the secondary wicketkeeper, with K.L. Rahul serving as the primary keeper for the Indian team since the domestic ODI series against England in February 2025.
Despite speculation regarding the selectors favoring Ishan Kishan as the second wicketkeeper due to recent form, they opted for Pant, believing he deserved more opportunities.
Additionally, Shreyas Iyer, the team's vice-captain, is also expected to arrive late. Iyer recently returned to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai after recovering from an injury sustained during the Australia tour in October.
The middle-order batter made a commendable comeback from injury, scoring a rapid 82 off 53 balls for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh.
Iyer has been named vice-captain of the India squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11, although his participation depends on fitness assessment following his appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize Rishabh Pant's dedication to both his state team and national responsibilities. His late arrival for the ODI series against New Zealand raises questions about balancing commitments while ensuring team readiness. This situation reflects the ongoing challenge athletes face between domestic duties and national pride.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rishabh Pant joining the national team late?
Rishabh Pant is joining the national team late because he has chosen to play in the final league match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi on January 8.
When is the first ODI match against New Zealand?
The first ODI match against New Zealand is scheduled for January 11 in Vadodara.
Who is the primary wicketkeeper for India?
K.L. Rahul is the primary wicketkeeper for the Indian team.
Is Shreyas Iyer joining the squad late as well?
Yes, Shreyas Iyer is also likely to join the squad late after recovering from an injury.
What is Rishabh Pant's current form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Rishabh Pant is leading Delhi, which is currently at the top of Group D with 20 points from six games.
