Rishabh Pant Dropped from ODI Squad, Stripped of Test Vice-Captaincy: An In-Depth Analysis

The Indian Men’s Senior National Selection Committee recently announced the squads for the upcoming one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, delivering a significant shock to many cricket enthusiasts. At the forefront of these unexpected decisions was the notable exclusion of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant from both squads, marking a critical juncture in his international career.

Pant, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, has not only been dropped from the ODI setup but has also been stripped of the vice-captaincy of the Test team. This twin blow signals a clear message from the selectors regarding his current standing and future prospects, particularly in the longer formats of the game.

Performance Under Scrutiny: The IPL 2026 Factor

The primary catalyst for these harsh decisions appears to stem directly from Rishabh Pant’s underwhelming performance in the recently concluded IPL 2026 season. As captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant was expected to lead from the front, both with the bat and in his leadership. However, the team’s early elimination from playoff contention, despite his individual efforts in patches, seemingly weighed heavily on the selectors’ minds.

An IPL season where a key player fails to consistently deliver match-winning performances, especially when captaining a franchise, often prompts national selectors to reassess their role in the national setup. For Pant, this poor form in a high-profile tournament has been identified as a major contributing factor to his current predicament.

A Faltering Leadership Record in Tests

Beyond his recent IPL form, Rishabh Pant’s track record as Test vice-captain also underwent scrutiny. He briefly took over the captaincy of India’s Test team against South Africa in November 2025 when regular captain Shubman Gill was sidelined due to injury. The series, however, proved disastrous for India, as they suffered a comprehensive 0-2 whitewash under Pant’s leadership.

This particular series, where India failed to register a single victory, did not make for stellar reading in Pant’s captaincy dossier. While captaincy is often a learning curve, the decisive nature of the defeat in a crucial away series likely factored into the selectors’ decision to remove him from the Test vice-captaincy role, opting for a change in leadership structure.

Out of the Limited-Overs Picture

Interestingly, Pant’s exclusion from the ODI squad is not an entirely new development in his career trajectory. Despite being the second-choice wicketkeeper for some time, he has not featured in a single ODI match for India since August 2024. This extended period of absence suggests that the selectors have been exploring other options in the 50-over format for a considerable time.

Furthermore, it is widely understood that Rishabh Pant is currently not part of India’s immediate T20I plans either. This comprehensive exclusion across all three limited-overs formats highlights a broader reassessment of his role and effectiveness, indicating a significant shift in the team’s strategy and player preferences moving forward.

Fan Reactions: A ‘Downfall’ Narrative

The news of Rishabh Pant’s axing sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, particularly among fans who voiced their opinions passionately on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The sentiment among many was one of disappointment and concern, with terms like ‘downfall’ trending.

• Many fans expressed their dismay, stating that this marked the

Shaan Cooper

Shaan Cooper is a cricket journalist and SEO content writer from Bengaluru who focuses on breaking cricket news, live match coverage, and player performance stories. Her writing style combines fast-paced reporting with detailed cricket knowledge tailored for digital sports platforms.