The upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could see a shake-up in India’s wicketkeeping options. Reports indicate Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature, potentially clearing space for Ishan Kishan, who has also been named in the T20 World Cup squad.

As the debate over India’s wicketkeeping options continues, another contender has forced his way into the conversation. Dhruv Jurel, left out of the T20 World Cup squad, produced a blistering 160 not out off 101 balls for Uttar Pradesh against Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, hitting eight sixes and 15 boundaries at a strike rate of 158.42.

Ishan Kishan has enjoyed a rich form, finishing as the leading run-getter in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy with 517 runs from 10 outings. In contrast, Rishabh Pant has been absent from the ODI setup since August 2024.

Ishan Kishan has carried his form forward beyond the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. The left-hander inspired Jharkhand to their first-ever title in the tournament with a decisive century in the final, before backing it up with another hundred at the start of their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, despite the team ending up on the losing side.

Harbhajan Singh was full of praise for Ishan Kishan after his breathtaking knock versus Karnataka. The left-hander brought up his century in 33 balls and ended with 125 from 39, clearing the ropes 14 times and finding the fence on seven occasions.

“He’s not very big in size, but he smash such massive shots,” Harbhajan said.