Rishabh Pant Axed: Wicketkeeper Dropped from ODI Squad and Removed as Test Vice-Captain
A Major Shift in Indian Cricket Selection
The Indian Men’s Senior National Selection Committee has announced the squads for the upcoming one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, and the lists have sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. The most significant development is the exclusion of Rishabh Pant from both formats, marking a tumultuous period for the wicketkeeper-batter.
Not only has Pant been omitted from the ODI setup, but he has also been stripped of his duties as the vice-captain of the Indian Test team. This decision represents a swift and decisive move by the selectors, who appear to be prioritizing current form and long-term planning over past reputations.
The Impact of IPL 2026 Form
The primary catalyst for this decision is widely believed to be Pant’s underwhelming performance during the ongoing 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). As the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has struggled to inspire his team, which has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The lack of consistency with the bat and the tactical shortcomings displayed during the tournament have undoubtedly influenced the selectors’ decision to look elsewhere.
Furthermore, Pant’s tenure as the Test vice-captain was punctuated by lackluster results. When he took over the reins as captain during the Test series against South Africa in November 2025—a stint necessitated by an injury to Shubman Gill—the team suffered a disappointing 0-2 whitewash. This, coupled with his absence from the ODI playing XI since August 2024 and his exclusion from T20I plans, has left his international future in a precarious position.
Social Media Reaction: A Narrative of ‘Downfall’
The announcement triggered an immediate and vocal reaction on social media platforms like X. Fans and analysts alike have debated the severity of the selectors’ actions, with many labeling the event a ‘downfall’ for the once-promising star. While some users praised the BCCI for taking a ‘hard-nosed’ approach to team management, others expressed sympathy for the cricketer, suggesting he has been treated harshly given his past contributions.
One fan noted, “Rishabh got stripped of Test vice-captaincy, and they covered it up by dropping him from the ODI squad,” while another pointedly remarked, “Gautam Gambhir is the only reason Rishabh Pant lost his vice-captaincy.” Conversely, there were those who lauded the move to replace him with KL Rahul, calling it an excellent decision by the board to restore stability in the leadership group.
The Road Ahead and New Opportunities
While the focus remains on the departures, the squad announcement also highlights a shift toward fresh talent. Selectors are clearly signaling a keen interest in High-Tempo Delivery (HTD) bowlers, with new inclusions like Gurnoor making waves. Additionally, the selection of Prince and Harsh Dubey in the ODI squad suggests that the management is looking to blood young players who can provide the necessary energy and versatility for the upcoming challenges against Afghanistan.
As for Rishabh Pant, the path to redemption will likely require a total recalibration of his game. Having been removed from leadership roles and sidelined in limited-overs cricket, the onus is now entirely on him to prove his worth in the domestic circuit. Whether this acts as a wake-up call or the beginning of a prolonged exile from the national side remains to be seen. For now, the Indian team is moving into a new era, leaving behind one of its most polarizing figures in recent history.
The upcoming series against Afghanistan will serve as a crucial test for the new-look squad as they aim to prove that these bold selection calls were the correct path forward for Indian cricket.
