India main selector Ajit Agarkar have reacted to Rishabh Pant On losing the vice-captaincy of India’s Test team ahead of afghanistan series. While Pant’s omission from the ODI squad and removal from the leadership group created huge buzz among fans, Agarkar made it clear that the selectors still see him as one of India’s most valuable red-ball players.
It is noteworthy that BCCI announced the Indian team for Afghanistan tour on Tuesday. Shubman Gill Will continue as Test captain and KL Rahul The responsibility of vice-captain is being handed over. Pant’s absence from India’s ODI plans and the leadership shuffle soon became one of the biggest talking points of the announcement.
Ajit Agarkar spoke openly on Rishabh Pant’s test future
Speaking during the press conference after the squad announcement, Agarkar made it clear that Pant’s place in India’s Test team is not under threat despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket.
“Rishabh is an incredible Test player. Obviously, he is not part of the ODI team at the moment.” Agarkar said this while addressing the journalists.
The former India fast bowler stressed that the selectors want Pant to focus on excelling in the longest format rather than paying too much attention to leadership decisions.
“We want him to be the best Test player he has ever been. I don’t think there are any concerns about his place in the Test team.” Agarkar added.
The chief selector also revealed that India’s ODI team management is currently exploring different wicket-keeping combinations as part of its long-term planning.
“As far as ODI cricket is concerned, at the moment we have gone with two different options.” He said.
Leadership reset under Shubman Gill
Pant’s removal as vice-captain appears to be part of a wider leadership change in India’s Test setup after Gill became captain. The selectors have chosen the experienced Rahul as Gill’s deputy, relying on the senior batsman’s calming presence and leadership experience across all formats.
However, the move does not indicate any reduction in Pant’s importance in red-ball cricket. In fact, his performances in Tests last year have been the strongest in the Indian setup.
Despite suffering an injury during the England series, Pant enjoyed a great 2025 Test season. In seven matches and 13 innings, the aggressive left-hander scored 629 runs at an average of 48.38 and a strike rate of 77.75. His campaign included two centuries as well as four half-centuries in the Leeds Test against England. This performance reinforces why selectors still consider him a match-winner in the longest format.
IPL clash hurts Pant’s white ball case
While Pant’s Test numbers remained impressive, his IPL 2026 campaign failed to strengthen his case for a leadership role or an ODI comeback. The wicketkeeper-batsman could only score 251 runs in 12 matches and struggled to produce consistent match-winning performances.
Pant’s absence from India’s ODI team has been gradually increasing over the last 18 months. Injuries, inconsistent form and increasing competition among wicketkeepers have contributed to his slide down the pecking order. the return of Ishan KishanStrong T20I performance from sanju samson And Rahul’s credibility as India’s preferred ODI wicketkeeper has increased the competition.
The selectors are believed to be prioritizing long-term planning for future ICC events, especially considering the South African conditions for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
See also: Rishabh Pant drops ‘F’ bomb after LSG suffers ninth defeat in IPL 2026
