Rishabh Pant Comeback: Kiran More Backs Star Batter Amidst Struggles and Sidelining
Rishabh Pant‘s Journey: Navigating a Period of Intense Scrutiny
Rishabh Pant, a name synonymous with audacious strokeplay and match-winning performances, currently finds himself at a crucial juncture in his illustrious career. Following a near-fatal car crash that sidelined him for an extended period, his return to professional cricket was met with widespread anticipation. However, recent performances have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, leading to his omission from the Indian ODI side and a change in leadership roles in red-ball cricket.
The 2026 Indian Premier League season proved particularly challenging for Pant. Representing the Lucknow Super Giants, he managed to accumulate just 286 runs across 13 matches. More significantly, under his leadership, the franchise failed to advance to the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, a disappointing outcome for a team with high aspirations. These struggles culminated in his recent exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, where Ishan Kishan has been named as KL Rahul‘s second-in-command wicketkeeper-batter.
Furthermore, Pant’s leadership responsibilities in Test cricket have also seen a shift. Following a difficult whitewash against South Africa under his captaincy, he was recently replaced by KL Rahul as India’s Test vice-captain. These developments paint a picture of a player striving to regain his peak form and reclaim his undisputed spot across all formats.
Kiran More’s Resounding Vote of Confidence: A Fighter’s Spirit
Amidst these challenging times, Rishabh Pant has found an unwavering advocate in former Indian wicketkeeper and ex-India selector, Kiran More. Speaking with profound conviction, More emphatically backed Pant, highlighting his inherent fighting spirit and courage. “No, it’s nothing like that; I am not disappointed at all. Pant is in the team, and I am very happy. He is a fighter, a player with immense courage, has a big heart, and has performed exceptionally well, winning (Test) matches single-handedly,” More stated, reflecting on his close working relationship with Pant.
More’s belief in Pant stems from a deep understanding of the player’s character and past triumphs. He drew a powerful parallel to Pant’s miraculous recovery from his severe accident, emphasizing that his current lean patch is minor in comparison. “Every cricketer goes through a phase like this; you pass through such times. So I think there will definitely be a great comeback, and a strong comeback. When his life was saved, and he returned to the team, he performed so well, so this (current phase) is nothing compared to that,” More added, expressing absolute certainty in Pant’s ability to bounce back with renewed vigor.
This steadfast support from an experienced figure like More offers a significant morale boost, underscoring the enduring faith in Pant’s talent and resilience. His track record of single-handedly turning matches, particularly in Test cricket, serves as a powerful reminder of his unique capabilities.
The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: A Special Talent Emerges
Beyond his strong endorsement of Rishabh Pant, Kiran More also extended high praise to another promising left-handed batter in the Indian cricketing landscape: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young starlet has captured the attention of fans globally with his aggressive intent and remarkable resilience against world-class bowlers.
More’s admiration for Sooryavanshi was palpable. “No, look, he is a special player, and God has created and sent him, so I think it’s a great thing that he sent him to India. You will keep watching him, as he will score a lot of runs in the future,” More exclaimed, describing the young batter as a truly rare talent. Sooryavanshi’s statistics speak volumes about his potential; he amassed an impressive 579 runs in 13 matches this season, striking the ball at an astonishing rate of 236.22.
More urged caution and patience with the prodigious talent, advocating for an environment where Sooryavanshi can flourish without undue pressure. “Even if he doesn’t, he is still a special player for me. But just let him play cricket freely and don’t put too much pressure on him because he’s performing so well at such an early age. I think it’s all part of that ‘wow factor,’ and I want him to play Test matches, one-day matches, and T20S whenever he makes his debut for India,” More concluded, outlining a clear vision for the youngster’s future across all formats.
Nurturing Grassroots Talent: The Beyond Reach Premier League
Kiran More’s passion for cricket extends beyond the professional circuit to the grassroots level. Under his supervision, a unique initiative called the Beyond Reach Premier League has been launched, specifically targeting tennis-ball cricketers. This special league aims to unearth raw talent from unconventional cricketing backgrounds.
The initial trials for the league have already seen significant participation and uncovered promising prospects. “This is a special league, and we want to do something different. This was our first trial, and a lot of boys showed up for this, and we got to see some very interesting talent,” More explained, emphasizing the league’s objective to provide a platform for overlooked cricketers.
The importance of tennis ball cricket in nurturing talent is undeniable, having provided a foundational platform for several players who later excelled in mainstream cricket. Prince Yadav is a notable example, having transitioned from tennis ball cricket to become a significant force in white-ball cricket and eventually earning a spot in the Indian team. Such initiatives are crucial for broadening the talent pool and ensuring that exceptional players, regardless of their starting point, have a pathway to professional cricket.
A Future of Resilience and Emerging Stars
The cricketing narrative continues to be one of constant evolution, featuring both the enduring spirit of established stars and the exciting emergence of new talent. Rishabh Pant’s journey is a testament to resilience, and with strong backing from mentors like Kiran More, his anticipated comeback is poised to be a defining moment. Simultaneously, the rise of players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, coupled with initiatives like the Beyond Reach Premier League, promises a vibrant future for Indian cricket, ensuring a continuous supply of exceptional players ready to make their mark on the international stage.
