Ajinkya Rahane has come out in support of Rishabh Pant and has given a new twist to the ongoing debate over the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman’s future in India’s ODI team.
Rahane openly questioned the Indian cricket team management’s faith in Rishabh Pant and demanded proper support and security.
Crisis of confidence in Team India? Ajinkya Rahane has started a new debate on Rishabh Pant’s ODI future.
Recently, reports have revealed that since Gautam Gambhir became the head coach, Pant is not getting the same level of confidence, trust and support that he used to get in the previous government. There have been reports that Gambhir has often been unhappy with Pant’s shot selection and Rahane, like many, feels this has affected the left-handed batsman’s style of play.
The star wicketkeeper-batsman has not played a single ODI for India since the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2024. Even though he has been a part of the ODI team since that tour, Pant has repeatedly missed out on a place in the playing eleven. Pant was even included in the squad for India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, but was later dropped due to a side strain.
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Ajinkya Rahane demands full support for Rishabh Pant
As the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain once again missed his chance, Rahane believes this situation needs to change. He believes that Pant is not a player who should be doubted, but he needs clear support and assurance from the team management that the team stands firmly behind him. Rahane emphasized that Pant is a match-winning player who can completely turn the match.
Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz, “I think Rishabh Pant is the guy you need to support. You should like him, support him and just have a word with him that as a team management we are supporting you; you just go out there and play your game. He is the X-factor. He can change the game and change the momentum completely.
Trust unlocks Pant’s beast mode: Ajinkya Rahane
From Rahane’s experience, especially in Test cricket, Pant performs at his best when he is given freedom and confidence. When the message is simple and clear that he is trusted and valued, Pant plays fearless cricket and delivers impressive performances, and Rahane feels the same approach can work in ODIs too, if he is given clarity and security about his role.
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The veteran cricketer further added, “That’s what I have seen in Test cricket, especially when you tell him that you are the guy, go out there and support yourself, and play your game with freedom. So, if he gets that freedom, if he gets the security that ‘I know this is my slot, and I can go out there and do whatever I want,’ I thought he can do the same in ODIs.”
Pant should not be hindered by role confusion
The question remains as to where Pant will fit into India’s ODI XI, but Rahane feels that should not be a hindrance. He believes that team conditions can change rapidly and Pant has the skills and mindset to adapt and handle any role given to him.
Rahane said, “It is difficult, but still, the situation can change anytime. I just want to say that he has the quality and ability, and whatever number the team management asks him to bat at, he can do it. He can play any role.”
