Rishabh Pant, once a promising all-format international cricketer, finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. The upcoming Test match against Afghanistan could very well determine his future in international cricket. With his performances in other formats declining, Pant’s focus is now solely on Test cricket, a stage where he has faced significant criticism and setbacks.
The journey of Rishabh Pant from a dynamic T20 player to a struggling Test cricketer has been marked by highs and lows. His recent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches have raised questions about his consistency and shot selection. As he prepares for his 50th Test match, Pant is under immense pressure to deliver a standout performance.
Pant’s Struggles Across Formats
Pant’s cricketing journey began with a bang in the T20 format, where he made a name for himself with the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. However, his form dwindled over time, leading to his exclusion from the team during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2026. His transition to ODI cricket showed promise, with a notable century in England, but inconsistency soon crept in.
The devastating car accident in December 2026, which kept him out of international cricket for 15 months, further complicated his career trajectory. His return to the field has been met with mixed results, particularly in Test cricket. High-risk shots and poor decision-making have drawn criticism from fans and experts alike. Sunil Gavaskar’s infamous description of one of Pant’s shots as “stupid, stupid, stupid” highlights the level of scrutiny he faces.
Coaching Advice and Technical Criticism
Pant’s coach, Devender Sharma, has pointed out the wicketkeeper-batter’s tendency to play too many horizontal and risky shots. Sharma advises Pant to return to basics, focusing on vertical shots and controlled aggression. The coach emphasizes the importance of playing more on the off-side and cutting down on innovative shots that often lead to Pant’s dismissal.
“He is trying too much and mostly playing horizontal shots. He is pushing & forcing himself too much. He should play more vertical shots that will give him more success,” Sharma told PTI. The coach remains optimistic about Pant’s mental strength and believes he will return to match-winning form soon. Sharma’s confidence is rooted in Pant’s past performances, including his century in England post-accident.
Leadership and Responsibility
Ahead of the Afghanistan Test, Pant has shown a more disciplined approach in training, heeding the advice of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir has encouraged Pant to balance his attacking instincts with greater responsibility and match awareness. The coaching staff wants Pant to retain his natural brilliance while developing greater situational awareness.
“I think he’s committed to playing a good role model and senior player. I actually heard him and Gauti (Gambhir’s nickname) having a chat around that yesterday. ‘How you want to conduct yourself as a senior player’, expanding to the communications or so, how you’re going to play,” said assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate. The team management believes that Pant’s leadership extends beyond a formal title, and his influence on the team is invaluable.
As Rishabh Pant steps onto the field for his 50th Test match, the cricketing world watches closely. This match is not just about winning or losing; it’s about Pant’s future in international cricket. A standout performance could reignite his career, while a poor showing might hasten his exit from the international stage. The stakes have never been higher for the talented but troubled wicketkeeper-batter.
