Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will delay joining the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Pant, leading Delhi in the domestic competition, will play the last league game on January 8 before joining the national team for the ODI match on January 11.
Pant’s Delhi team is currently at the top of Group D with 20 points from six games. They are set to face Haryana in their final league fixture, allowing Pant to potentially link up with the national team by January 9, just ahead of the first ODI game.
Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed Pant’s commitment to playing the last game of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Pant has been included in the ODI squad as the second wicketkeeper, with K.L. Rahul being the first-choice keeper for the Indian team.
Selectors opted for Pant over Ishan Kishan as the second-choice wicketkeeper due to his limited recent opportunities. Additionally, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to join the squad later after making a successful comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai.
