In a dramatic turn of fortunes for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, he has hit a low in batting form from the highs that he attained some months ago. He is under immense criticism over his wretched performances in white-ball cricket since the T20 World Cup 2022. After he got out for 15 off 23 balls in the 1st ODI against hosts New Zealand, speculations are high that the left-handed batter might be replaced in the upcoming ODIs.
Amidst the debate over Pant's form and relevance in Team India's playing XI, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his opinions on his YouTube channel. He highlighted the stark difference between Pant's performances in Tests and white-ball cricket.
"As of now everyone believes that he (Pant) is a special player, extremely talented, is an X-factor kind of cricketer, but he hasn't lived up to the reputation in white-ball cricket thus far," said Chopra.
"In Tests, today also Rishabh Pant is not only India's but the world's best wicketkeeper-batter. Not many top-order batters have played more dynamic and impactful knocks than him, forget about a keeper. But the truth is that he has not done that good a job in ODIs and T20s considering the opportunities he has got," said the former cricketer.
{{/usCountry}}"In Tests, today also Rishabh Pant is not only India's but the world's best wicketkeeper-batter. Not many top-order batters have played more dynamic and impactful knocks than him, forget about a keeper. But the truth is that he has not done that good a job in ODIs and T20s considering the opportunities he has got," said the former cricketer.
{{/usCountry}}Chopra further pointed out that Pant was the vice-captain for the ODI series against New Zealand and on the back of that, he might not be dropped while the series is on.
"You have made him the vice-captain currently. Now that you have done that, you will give him two more opportunities in the team. You will ask him to play but what after that? That is a big question," said Chopra.
"God forbid, if this series is also not good, Rishabh Pant is still part of the team for the next series, but after that the selectors will have to start thinking until when they can stick with him or if they should start moving in a different direction," he added.
Team India are scheduled to tour Bangladesh after the New Zealand ODI series gets over. Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan are the two wicketkeeper-batters who have been included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.