The omission of RISHABH PANTS of india The white-ball squads have once again become a major talking point following the announcement of the teams for the ongoing T20I and the upcoming ODI series against England. While the wicketkeeper-batsman remains a vital member of India’s Test setup, he has been overlooked in both limited overs formats, sparking fresh discussions among fans and pundits.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra He recently weighed in on the debate and offered his assessment of Pant’s current position in India’s white-ball plans. While acknowledging the left-hander’s immense ability, Chopra explained why selectors have continued to look elsewhere in recent months.
Aakash Chopra opens up about Rishabh Pant’s white-ball future
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked why Pant was not being considered to challenge overseas white-ball assignments in countries like England. South Africa and Australia. Responding to the question, Chopra dismissed the idea that overseas conditions automatically strengthen Pant’s case for selection.
“Honestly speaking, the conditions are not very tough nowadays. There is a marginal difference. 220 runs are scored on extremely flat pitches in India, and here (England) also 190 are scored, and in ODI cricket, more than 270 runs are scored. So I don’t think the conditions are that different. Rishabh Pant is an excellent cricketer. He is a match-winner, a game-changer and an X-factor in Indian cricket. red ball. “But in white-ball cricket, you have to earn your stripes. “In ODI cricket there is a little mistake happening because he didn’t get enough opportunities and despite that you gave him up.” said.
Chopra also highlighted Pant’s recent performances in the IPL, suggesting that the left-hander has not produced the kind of season that would compel the selectors to bring him back. Pant endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign with Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 312 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 138.05 before returning to Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.
“It’s not even close in T20 cricket. It’s been many seasons since he had a rockstar IPL. Until those things change, I don’t think you’ll see Rishabh Pant’s name even close to white-ball cricket.” Chopra said.
READ ALSO: Vaibhav Suryavanshi breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record on his India debut
Chopra highlights growing depth of land control in India
Chopra further explained that Indian selectors now have several quality wicket-keeping options across all formats, making Pant’s path back considerably more difficult than a few years ago. According to the former batsman, the players like it KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have strengthened their claims in white-ball cricket, while Dhruv Trevally and Jitesh Sharma They have also become strong contenders.
“You can’t even blame the selectors because there are a lot of options now. Today, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are there, and Dhruv Jurel is behind them. Jitesh Sharma is there. You have a lot of options available. So I don’t think Rishabh Pant’s name will come up so soon in white-ball cricket. The line is long, and Rishabh is standing a little back in that line.” he concluded.
With competition for places becoming increasingly intense, Chopra believes Pant will have to produce consistent performances in domestic and franchise cricket before he can return to India’s white-ball plans. While the wicketkeeper remains one of India’s most influential Test cricketers, his return to the limited overs set-up may take a little longer unless his performances demand selection.
ALSO READ: Fans erupt as Jacob Bethell’s masterclass seals thrilling win for England in second T20I against India
