The omission of Rishabh Pant from India’s white-ball squads has once again become a major talking point following the announcement of the teams for the ongoing T20I and upcoming ODI series against England. While the wicketkeeper-batter continues to be a vital member of India’s Test setup, he has been overlooked in both limited-overs formats, prompting fresh discussions among fans and experts.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra recently weighed in on the debate, offering his assessment of Pant’s current standing in India’s white-ball plans. While acknowledging the left-hander’s immense ability, Chopra explained why the selectors have continued to look elsewhere in recent months.
Aakash Chopra opens up on Rishabh Pant’s white-ball future
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked why Pant was not being considered for challenging overseas white-ball assignments in countries like England, South Africa and Australia. Responding to the question, Chopra dismissed the notion that overseas conditions automatically strengthen Pant’s case for selection.
“Honestly speaking, the conditions aren’t very tough nowadays. There is a marginal difference. 220 runs are scored on extremely flat pitches in India, and 190 are being scored here (England) as well, and in ODI cricket, more than 270 runs are scored. So I don’t think that the conditions are so different. Rishabh Pant is an outstanding cricketer. He is a match-winner, game-changer, and X-factor in red-ball cricket, but in white-ball cricket, he has to earn his stripes. A little wrong is happening in ODI cricket because he didn’t get enough chances, and you dropped him despite that,” he said.
Chopra also pointed to Pant’s recent IPL performances, suggesting that the left-hander has not produced the kind of season that would force 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.
“He is not even close in T20 cricket. It’s been many seasons since he has had a rockstar IPL. Until those things change, I don’t think you will see Rishabh Pant’s name even close to white-ball cricket,” Chopra said.
Chopra highlights India’s growing wicketkeeping depth
Chopra further explained that India’s selectors now have several quality wicketkeeping options across formats, making Pant’s road back considerably more difficult than it was a few years ago. According to the former batter, players like KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have strengthened their claims in white-ball cricket, while Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma have also emerged as strong contenders.
“You can’t even blame the selectors because there are many options now. Today, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are there, and Dhruv Jurel is there behind them. Jitesh Sharma is there. You have got plenty of keeping options available. So I don’t think Rishabh Pant’s name would come that soon in white-ball cricket. The line is long, and Rishabh is standing a little towards the back in that queue,” 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 force his way back into India’s white-ball plans. While the wicketkeeper remains one of India’s most influential Test cricketers, his return to the limited-overs setup may take a little longer unless his performances demand selection.
