Rishabh Pant tipped for comeback as ex-chief selector backs Test vice-captaincy snub decision: 'Trying to free him'

The former chief selector supported the decision to remove Rishabh Pant from India's Test vice-captaincy role.

Published on: May 22, 2026, 14:54:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Former chief selector Kiran More backed Rishabh Pant to bounce back after the wicketkeeper-batter lost the Test team vice-captaincy role to KL Rahul. He has been named in the 15-member squad to face Afghanistan, but won't be Shubman Gill's deputy anymore. Rahul will be the vice-captain in the one-off Test match, which starts on June 6.

Rishabh Pant lost the Test vice-captaincy to KL Rahul. (PTI)

More feels that this is just a 'phase' in Pant's career, which comes in every cricketer's life. Predicting a comeback, he pointed out his away Test record for India. More also supported the decision to remove Pant from the vice-captaincy role, feeling that it would 'free him from the burden of leadership'.

Also Read: CSK coach laughs off MS Dhoni retirement chatter, drops major clue on IPL future: ‘Are you seriously asking me that?’

‘Trying to free him from the burden of leadership’: Kiran More

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Rishabh Pant is a terrific player and a fighter, and this is the phase that comes in every cricketer's life. It does not matter if you are captain and vice captain, you play for India and win matches. He will always make a comeback, and he will play test matches and win them for India."

"He has made a lot of centuries for India away from home. I do not think he will be disturbed. I think coaches are trying to free him from the burden of leadership, and I think this is the way they are going," he added.

LSG have arguably been the worst team in IPL 2026, and ahead of their final game, they are bottom of the table with eight points in 13 games. They have managed to clinch only four wins, crashing to nine defeats.

Pant has failed to justify his price tag after LSG acquired him for ₹27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He has managed only 286 runs this season in 13 matches, at an average of 28.60 and a strike rate of 140.19, which reflects his poor form.

He was also left out of the ODI squad. Speaking to the media, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, "Obviously, he is not part of the ODI squad at the moment. 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. I think he is one of our main batters in that line-up."

"(He) had a really good tour of England till he got injured. So, I am sure he would like a few more runs. But he has always been very good in Test cricket. At this point, yes, we have gone with two different (wicketkeeping) options in one-day cricket. But in Test cricket, he remains one of our main players."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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