Other big names to miss out included Dwayne Bravo, who has been in the international wilderness since 2016, and Marlon Samuels.
Pant smashed six fours and four sixes during his 36-ball unbeaten knock as Delhi achieved their target of 192 in 19.2 overs.
The 1992 World Cup winners start their campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.
Afghanistan open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Bristol on June 1 and are regarded as dark horses.
The 37-year-old Dhoni, known for his finishing skills, lifted his side from a precarious 28-4 in the sixth over to bring them within touching distance of victory.
The 31-year old has been a prolific run scorer in Pakistan's domestic cricket and broke into the national one-day squad for the World Cup after smashing a century on his debut against Australia in Dubai last month.
The 20-year-old is a key wicket-taking option for Pakistan in the ten-team World Cup in England and Wales that starts May 30.
Smith, who along with compatriot David Warner missed the 2018 IPL because of the scandal, will replace India's Ajinkya Rahane.
Pandya "must make amends" for boasting about his sexual conquests during the celebrity show in which he appeared with Rahul, said an ombudsman who investigated the case.
While Kohli's 58-ball century anchored the Bangalore innings on Friday, England allrounder Moeen blitzed the Kolkata spinners, making 66 off 28 balls -- including six sixes and five fours.
Dhoni, 37, led India to World Cup victory at home in 2011 but his patchy form in recent times has led critics to question the wicketkeeper-batsman's place on the side.
The 27-year-old has been in wretched form since guiding Pakistan to win over India in the Champions trophy final in June 2017, with just four wickets in 14 matches.
The 15-man squad was largely as predicted by most pundits, with Amla's form the biggest talking point ahead of the announcement.
Left-handed batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, who was appointed captain on Wednesday, last played an ODI in March 2015.
Dynamic all-rounder Archer was included Wednesday in a 17-man squad for next month's one-day internationals against Pakistan and Ireland.
