Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the selection of Rishabh Pant over Ruturaj Gaikwad in the ODI squad for the New Zealand series. Ashwin argued that Gaikwad's recent form and batting abilities, including closing out innings and batting against spin, made him a more suitable choice than a second wicketkeeper. He suggested Gaikwad could bat in the middle order, while Pant is better suited as a top-order batter. The decision was framed as a choice between a specialist batter and a second wicketkeeper, with Ashwin favoring the batter.