Ashwin Thinks Pant Should Stay in Top Order, Gaikwad in Mix

Ravichandran Ashwin is stirring the pot ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026! He believes wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant should stick to the top order while Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves a spot in the squad. With Shreyas Iyer back, the competition is heating up, and Ashwin thinks Gaikwad is the better middle-order option. Looks like Pant has some serious competition!

Quick rundown

1.Ashwin debates Pant vs Gaikwad for India's ODI squad.

2.Pant retained his spot despite Gaikwad's century in South Africa.

3.Gaikwad may get more chances post Rohit and Kohli's retirement.

4.Ashwin highlights brutal competition in the Indian cricket team.

5.Shreyas Iyer's fitness could influence Gaikwad's inclusion.

Aakash Chopra Rages Against Selectors Over Pant's Omission
Aakash Chopra Rages Against Selectors Over Pant's Omission
Ladies and gentlemen, Aakash Chopra is stepping into the ring! The BCCI just unveiled the squad for the ODI showdown against New Zealand, and guess what? Rishabh Pant is still warming that bench! With Gaikwad smashing centuries, Chopra’s calling out the selectors for this epic blunder! And where’s Nitish Kumar Reddy? The stakes are high, and it’s time for some serious shake-ups!
02:15 pm on Saturday, 3 January, 2026
Deep Dasgupta: Don’t let 2019 happen again, g
Deep Dasgupta: Don’t let 2019 happen again, g
Yo, it’s Deep Dasgupta, keepin’ it real about Rishabh Pant, ya dig? With them New Zealand ODIs comin’ on January 11, he’s sayin’ the management needs to lay down the plan for the homie. Pant’s been chillin’ as backup to KL Rahul, but he’s gotta step up, fo’ shizzle! Let’s not repeat that 2019 drama, g.
05:55 am on Saturday, 3 January, 2026
Ruturaj ya Yashasvi: Kaun banega India ka backup hero?
Ruturaj ya Yashasvi: Kaun banega India ka backup hero?
Arre bhai, Team India ki ODI kahani hai ek rangin drama! Ruturaj aur Yashasvi ne pehle shatak se sabko hila diya, jaise baarish mein chhatri khul gayi ho! Shubman aur Shreyas ki wapas aane ki khabar ne selectors ko sochne pe majboor kar diya. Kya hum all-rounder ki kashti par chalein ya middle-order ki suraksha mein rahein? Jeet toh unki hai jo selectors ki nazar mein chamke!
09:15 am on Monday, 29 December, 2025
Aakash Chopra's Daring India Squad for NZ ODIs: No Sanju!
Aakash Chopra's Daring India Squad for NZ ODIs: No Sanju!
Aakash Chopra just unveiled his Men in Blue lineup for the ODI showdown against New Zealand, kicking off January 11 in Vadodara. Sanju Samson? Not in the squad! Expect fireworks from Shubman, Rohit, and Virat. With Iyer sidelined, Ruturaj's stepping up at No. 4, while Axar's likely to outshine Jadeja for spin duties. And let’s not forget the pace trio of Rana, Siraj, and Arshdeep. Can Pant hold his ground amid the buzz?
12:00 am on Sunday, 4 January, 2026
Irfan Pathan Showers Praise on Padikkal's Trophy Brilliance
Irfan Pathan Showers Praise on Padikkal's Trophy Brilliance
Yo, peep this! Irfan Pathan just showered some mad respect on Devdutt Padikkal, the RCB star flexin' in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He’s racked up 514 runs in five innings, averaging 102.80 with four centuries, but ain't in the ODI squad. That just shows how deep India's batting lineup is, g! Pathan's hyped for Rishabh Pant's return too, fo' shizzle!
05:25 pm on Saturday, 3 January, 2026

Series

View All

Cricket