The debate surrounding Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from India’s T20I squad has intensified after Aakash Chopra strongly criticized the selectors. Chopra, known for his sharp cricketing analysis, has insisted that Pant must be part of India’s T20I plans ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pant, one of India’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters, has been out of the T20I setup since India’s historic 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. However, his impactful numbers and match-winning ability make a compelling case for his return.
🗣️ What Aakash Chopra Said About Rishabh Pant’s T20I Exclusion
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed shock over Pant’s omission:
“When Rishabh Pant bats from numbers one to three, he has scored at a strike rate of 156 and an average of 34, which is very good. But somehow, he is not even in the conversation for India’s T20I squad. That surprises me.”
Chopra further highlighted Pant’s contributions during the 2024 T20 World Cup:
“Pant was India’s third-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup we won. Yet, nobody talks about it. It feels like he has been forgotten.”
According to Chopra, Pant’s impactful batting, especially in crunch situations, is being undervalued by the selectors.
📊 Rishabh Pant’s T20I Career Stats 🏏
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s/100s | Best Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 76 | 1,820+ | ~30 | 141+ | 10/0 | 78* |
| T20 World Cups | 20 | 460+ | 32 | 145 | 4 | 65* |
| IPL (Career) | 118 | 3,300+ | 34 | 147 | 20/1 | 128* |
These numbers show Pant’s consistency and explosiveness, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
🏆 Rishabh Pant in the 2024 T20 World Cup
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was historic for India, and Rishabh Pant played a vital role:
- Third-highest run-scorer for India 🥉
- Averaged 33+ with a strike rate of 148
- Played impactful cameos in knockout matches
- Provided stability at No. 4 and No. 5
- Brilliant behind the stumps 🧤
Pant’s fearless batting in pressure situations made him one of India’s game-changers in the tournament.
🧐 Why Did Selectors Ignore Rishabh Pant?
Despite his T20I credentials, Pant’s exclusion from India’s T20I setup raises several questions:
1️⃣ Over-reliance on IPL Form
Pant’s IPL 2025 season wasn’t up to his usual standards, which might have influenced the selectors.
2️⃣ Experimentation Before T20 World Cup 2026
India are testing young wicketkeeper-batters like Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Dhruv Jurel.
3️⃣ Team Balance & Flexibility
Selectors seem to prefer multi-dimensional options who can open or finish — areas Pant hasn’t been utilized enough in.
⚡ Why Rishabh Pant’s Comeback Is Crucial for India
🔹 1. Left-Handed Power Hitter
India’s T20I middle order is dominated by right-handers. Pant brings variety and match-up advantage against leg-spinners.
🔹 2. Big-Match Player
Pant has repeatedly delivered in knockouts — from Gabba 2021 to T20 WC 2024.
🔹 3. Finisher + Floater
Pant can adapt his game — anchor at No. 3 or finisher at No. 6.
🔹 4. Proven Wicketkeeper
With lightning-fast stumpings and sharp reflexes, Pant remains one of India’s best glovemen in white-ball cricket.
🏏 India’s Current Wicketkeeping Options in T20Is
| Player | T20Is | Strike Rate | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 36 | 132 | Top-order hitter |
| Jitesh Sharma | 12 | 150 | Lower-order finisher |
| Sanju Samson | 29 | 135 | Floater |
| Rishabh Pant | 76 | 141 | Impact batter + finisher |
Pant offers a perfect balance of experience and explosiveness compared to the newer faces.
🧩 Ideal T20I Batting Lineup With Pant in the XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Rishabh Pant 🧤
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja / Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Pant at No. 4 adds left-right balance, strike acceleration, and game-changing impact.
🏟️ Road to ICC T20 World Cup 2026 🏆
With the 2026 T20 World Cup less than a year away, India need to:
- Finalize their best XI
- Back proven match-winners like Pant
- Build a flexible batting unit
- Strengthen the finishing department
Pant’s exclusion now could become India’s loss later if he isn’t reintegrated soon.
❓ FAQs — Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant’s T20I Comeback
Q1. What did Aakash Chopra say about Rishabh Pant?
📌 He criticized selectors for ignoring Pant, calling him a proven match-winner.Q2. Why is Rishabh Pant not in India’s T20I squad?
📌 Likely due to IPL form, team experiments, and current selection strategies.Q3. How did Pant perform in the 2024 T20 World Cup?
📌 He was India’s third-highest run-scorer with a strike rate of 148.Q4. Will Pant return for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
📌 If India value experience and impact players, Pant is likely to return.🏁 Final Thoughts
Aakash Chopra’s passionate defense of Rishabh Pant has reignited the selection debate in Indian cricket. Pant’s T20I numbers, World Cup contributions, and match-winning ability make him an irreplaceable asset in India’s white-ball setup.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, ignoring Pant could be a strategic blunder. As Chopra says, India must recognize Pant’s value and bring him back into the T20I fold before it’s too late.