In what comes as a major disappointment for fans, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is unlikely to be included in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The news, which comes just days before the official team announcement, marks another setback in what has been a stop-start year for the flamboyant left-hander.
Form Slump Ahead of a Crucial Tournament
Pant, who has long been regarded as one of India’s most explosive batters in limited-overs cricket, has endured a challenging run in T20Is in recent months. In his last five outings for India in the shortest format, he has scored a total of 70 runs, averaging just 17.50 at a strike rate of 127.26. These numbers are well below the high standards he set earlier in his career, and they have raised questions about his place in the national setup.
Despite being the most expensive buy in IPL history earlier this year, Pant’s performances have not matched the hype in international cricket. Selectors are believed to be focusing on players who have shown more consistent form leading up to the Asia Cup, a tournament that will serve as a key preparation event for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Tough Competition for the Wicketkeeper’s Role
The wicketkeeper slot in India’s T20I setup has been one of the most hotly contested positions in recent years. Sanju Samson has emerged as the front-runner for the primary role, thanks to his strong recent performances and reliable glove work. Behind him, Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel are both pushing for a backup spot, with sources suggesting Jitesh currently holds a slight edge due to his finishing abilities in the middle and lower order.
Pant’s inconsistency with both bat and gloves has unfortunately placed him lower in the pecking order. His match-winning potential is undeniable, but the management appears to be prioritising stability over sporadic brilliance for a high-stakes tournament like the Asia Cup.
Injury Compounds the Setback
Adding to Pant’s selection woes is a fractured toe sustained during the recently concluded fourth Test against England. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for at least six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the Asia Cup and the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.
This is not the first time injury has halted Pant’s momentum. In early 2023, he spent over a year on the sidelines following a serious car accident. While he made a determined comeback to professional cricket, regaining full match fitness and rhythm at the international level has been a gradual process.
What Pant’s Absence Means for India
While Pant’s omission may not drastically alter India’s strategy for the Asia Cup — given that he has not been central to the T20I plans lately — it does deprive the team of a player who can turn games around single-handedly. His fearless approach, particularly against spin in the middle overs, has been a valuable asset in the past.
The Asia Cup is expected to feature challenging conditions in certain venues, where quick acceleration against spin bowling could be a decisive factor. Without Pant, India will have to rely more heavily on players like Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya to provide momentum in the middle overs.
Selectors’ Balancing Act
India’s selectors face a delicate balancing act as they finalise the squad. On one hand, they need to field a side capable of winning the Asia Cup. On the other, they must keep an eye on building a settled combination for the T20 World Cup next year. This has meant leaning towards players who have been consistently available, fit, and in form over the past 12 months.
Pant’s supporters argue that he should have been given more opportunities to rediscover his touch, pointing to his past heroics — including match-saving knocks in Tests and his ability to counterattack under pressure. However, with fitness a major concern and the Asia Cup just weeks away, the management appears unwilling to take the risk.
Looking Ahead for Pant
For Pant, the focus will now shift to rehabilitation and a strong comeback in the latter part of the year. He will be aiming to regain full fitness ahead of India’s home series later in 2025, where opportunities could open up once again.
Given his natural talent and match temperament, it would be premature to rule him out of India’s long-term plans. However, with the competition for places intensifying, he will need to make a strong statement upon return if he hopes to reclaim his spot for major tournaments in 2026.
Photo Credit: BCCI
