Ex-India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said Rishabh Pant was selected for ODIs against New Zealand as he is a left-handed batter. He stated although Ruturaj Gaikwad, who wasn't picked in the squad, is a top-order batter but his ability to finish innings is "also phenomenal". Ashwin added he doesn't think Pant can bat "in the middle order in white ball cricket".