India chief selector Ajit Agarkar has reacted on Rishabh Pant on losing his vice-captaincy of India’s Test setup ahead of the Afghanistan series. While Pant’s exclusion from the ODI squad and removal from the leadership group created major discussion among fans, Agarkar clarified that the selectors still see him as one of India’s most valuable red-ball players.
Notably, BCCI announced India’s squads for the Afghanistan tour on Tuesday, with Shubman Gill continuing as Test captain and KL Rahul being handed the vice-captaincy responsibilities. Pant’s absence from India’s ODI plans and the leadership reshuffle quickly became one of the biggest talking points from the announcement.
Ajit Agarkar opens up on Rishabh Pant’s Test future
Speaking during the press conference after the squad announcement, Agarkar made it clear that Pant’s place in India’s Test side is not under threat despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket.
“Rishabh is an incredible Test player. Obviously, he is not part of the ODI squad at the moment,” Agarkar said while addressing reporters.
The former India pacer stressed that the selectors want Pant to focus on excelling in the longest format rather than reading too much into the leadership decision.
“We want him to become the best Test player that he has always been. I don’t think there is any concern with his spot in the Test team,” Agarkar added.
The chief selector also explained that India’s ODI team management is currently exploring different wicketkeeping combinations as part of their long-term planning.
“As far as ODI cricket is concerned, at this point, we have gone with two different options,” he stated.
Leadership reset under Shubman Gill
Pant’s removal as vice-captain appears to be part of a broader leadership transition in India’s Test setup following Gill’s elevation as skipper. The selectors have opted for the experienced Rahul as Gill’s deputy, banking on the senior batter’s calm presence and leadership experience across formats.
However, the move does not indicate any reduction in Pant’s importance in red-ball cricket. In fact, his performances in Tests over the last year remain among the strongest in the Indian setup.
Despite suffering an injury during the England series, Pant enjoyed a remarkable 2025 Test season. Across seven matches and 13 innings, the aggressive left-hander scored 629 runs at an average of 48.38 and a strike rate of 77.75. His campaign included two centuries in the Leeds Test against England along with four half-centuries. Those performances continue to reinforce why the selectors still consider him a match-winner in the longest format.
IPL struggles hurt Pant’s white-ball case
While Pant’s Test numbers remained impressive, his IPL 2026 campaign failed to strengthen his case for a leadership role or an ODI comeback. The wicketkeeper-batter managed only 251 runs in 12 matches and struggled to produce consistent match-winning performances.
Pant’s absence from India’s ODI squad has been developing gradually over the past 18 months. Injuries, inconsistent form and growing competition among wicketkeepers have all contributed to his slide down the pecking order. The return of Ishan Kishan, the strong T20I performances from Sanju Samson and Rahul’s reliability as India’s preferred ODI wicketkeeper have intensified the competition.
Selectors are also believed to be prioritising long-term planning for future ICC events, particularly keeping South African conditions in mind for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
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