From match-winner to margins: Why Rishabh Pant is losing ground in Team India

Once a first-choice wicketkeeper-batter across formats, Rishabh Pant is now struggling for relevance amid role confusion, management preferences, and shrinking white-ball opportunities

Rishabh Pant was once among the most sought-after players in Indian cricket. A regular across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, the wicketkeeper-batter was seen as a generational talent. Today, however, Pant finds himself fighting for a place, slowly fading from India’s white-ball plans.

The sudden shift has triggered intense debate in cricketing circles. Is Pant being unfairly sidelined? Is internal team management politics playing a role? Or has his natural style fallen out of favour with those calling the shots?

Just a year ago, Pant was a three-format player. Post his injury comeback, however, his role has significantly reduced. He is no longer part of the T20 setup, and even in ODIs, he is waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity. Despite being fit, Pant has struggled to break back into regular white-ball action.

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In T20 cricket especially, Pant was once labelled one of the most dangerous batters. His aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers were his biggest strengths. But according to sources, a powerful figure within the team management is reportedly not a fan of Pant’s batting style. This preference is believed to be a key reason behind his removal from the T20 side.

The management, it is learnt, wants Pant to shift towards a more traditional, responsibility-driven batting approach, focused on match situations rather than instinctive aggression. Critics argue this demand goes against Pant’s natural game, which thrives on attacking intent.

The numbers further highlight his absence. In 2025, Pant did not play a single white-ball match. His last ODI and T20 appearance came in August 2024 against Sri Lanka. Even after being declared fit, opportunities did not come his way. Instead, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma were preferred behind the stumps.

Pant’s injury history has also been under scrutiny. Over the past two years, he suffered multiple minor setbacks, a foot fracture during the England Test series, followed by a finger injury, and a few niggles while playing against South Africa A. However, apart from the foot injury, there were no major long-term fitness issues. Despite this, Pant has been waiting for a comeback chance for nearly 18 months.

Another major concern is the lack of role clarity in T20 cricket. Pant’s position, batting role, and expectations were never clearly defined. This confusion eventually cost him a place in the T20 World Cup squad, despite his hopes of returning.

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While Pant has admittedly struggled with form, consistency, and rhythm in white-ball cricket, many believe it is too early to write off his limited-overs career. Yet, signs suggest that the team management has already closed the door on his T20 career and may soon do the same in ODIs.
Sources indicate that behind-the-scenes planning is underway to phase Pant out of white-ball cricket altogether.

Despite the setbacks, Pant remains one of India’s most skilled and talented wicketkeeper-batters. Observers insist that personal preferences should not override merit, especially when dealing with a player considered once-in-a-generation.

The spotlight is now firmly on the team management, as calls grow louder for a fair reassessment of Rishabh Pant’s role in Indian cricket.

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