Rishabh Pant, one of India’s most exciting batters, finds himself out of favour in the white-ball formats. Despite being part of India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the left-hander did not make the cut for the T20 World Cup 2026 and has not been a regular in the limited-overs playing XI since 2024. With the IND vs NZ ODIs and the upcoming T20 showpiece on the horizon, selectors and fans are left asking why Pant has been sidelined from white-ball duties.
Why Pant was left out of the white-ball setup
Team management concerns over Pant’s “high-risk, high-reward” batting approach have been widely reported. An unnamed member of the management reportedly prefers a more conventional and risk-averse method at the crease, particularly in white-ball cricket where pressure moments can dictate outcomes.
There is also discomfort about dropping a second-choice wicketkeeper without giving alternatives a fair run. That argument has added complexity to selection decisions: while Pant’s style can win games in a flash, it also raises doubts about consistency and match control in certain situations.
Recent form and selection context
Pant last appeared for India in ODIs and T20Is in 2024. Since then, KL Rahul has been preferred as India’s keeper in the 50-over format. In T20Is, names such as Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma have been chosen ahead of Pant. These choices reflect a shift in the selectors’ immediate plans for limited-overs wicketkeeping and finishing roles.
On the domestic front Pant featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but managed only one fifty across four matches, a return that will not strengthen his case for a swift recall. Consistent run-scoring in domestic one-day cricket and the IPL remain the most direct paths back into white-ball contention.
Pant’s standing in Test cricket and leadership role
While his white-ball opportunities have shrunk, Pant remains an integral part of India’s Test unit and serves as the vice-captain. His match-winning ability and explosive strokeplay continue to be prized in the longer format, where his role and responsibilities are clearly defined by the team management.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson
- Shivam Dube
- Ishan Kishan
- Hardik Pandya
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Rinku Singh
What this means for Pant’s white-ball future
Pant’s exclusion signals that selectors are favouring either wicketkeepers who offer a steadier shot selection in crunch moments or players who have recently delivered consistent white-ball performances. For Pant to force his way back, a clear, sustained run of high scores in domestic and franchise cricket will be crucial.
He also faces stiff competition from keepers who have adapted quickly to white-ball roles. A pragmatic shift in approach — without losing the attacking instinct that makes him dangerous — could improve his prospects. For now, though, his immediate future in limited-overs internationals looks uncertain, while his Test career and leadership duties remain secure.