The upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka could prove to be a career-defining phase for wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Ahead of the series, he featured in a three-day practice match where his output was deeply underwhelming. He managed a mere 28 runs in the second innings after being dismissed for just 2 runs in the first. His demeanor at the crease showed very little seriousness about the match.
Careless Approach And Risky Shot Selection
During his time at the crease, Pant displayed an extremely casual and irresponsible attitude. He was seen trying to fend off deliveries outside the off-stump with his feet or misjudging shots in an apparent bid to look flashy. While he is famously known for his unorthodox strokeplay, his ongoing slump demands that he refocus immediately. Competition for his spot is fierce, with players like Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan eagerly waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity in the squad.
A Long Absence From Limited-Overs Cricket
The clearest indicator of Pant's struggles with consistency is his two-year absence from the limited-overs setup. He last featured in India's ODI and T20I teams back in 2024, after which he has been restricted strictly to the longest format. Meanwhile, players like Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have capitalized on every chance given to them. If Pant continues to show casualness in Test matches, head coach Gautam गंभीर will not hesitate to drop him from the side.
Ongoing Struggles In The Test Format
The batting woes are not confined to white-ball cricket alone, as Pant has faced considerable hardship in Tests as well. He played his previous Test match against Afghanistan, where he contributed 81 runs. His last century in this format came back in the year 2025. On several occasions during this phase, he managed to get a solid start at the crease but repeatedly failed to convert those promising openings into substantial, match-winning knocks.
