Aakash Chopra Critiques Team Management's Treatment of Rishabh Pant Ahead of New Zealand Series
Concerns Raised Over Rishabh Pant's Role
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his concerns regarding the management's approach towards Rishabh Pant as the ODI series against New Zealand approaches. The three-match series is set to commence on January 11 in Vadodara, where Pant and KL Rahul have been selected as the two wicketkeeper-batsmen in the 15-member squad.
In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that despite Pant's consistent inclusion in the squad, he has not had the opportunity to play. "Rishabh Pant has not participated in ODIs since 2023, yet he remains part of the team. He is undoubtedly a generational talent. While his current statistics in ODIs and T20Is may not be impressive, the fact that he hasn't played a single match since 2023 raises questions. It indicates that the team acknowledges his potential, yet he is not being utilized when it matters," Chopra stated.
Chopra further emphasized that Pant should have been given a chance during the recent ODI series against South Africa. "There was an opportunity to play him in all three matches. If he performed well, he could have secured his place in the team; otherwise, the management could have assessed his position. However, he was not given any opportunity, and now it seems unlikely that he will get one," he remarked.
Pant's ODI statistics show he has accumulated 871 runs at an average of 33.50 over 27 innings, but he has only played one ODI in the last three years, scoring just six runs against Sri Lanka in August 2024.
Chopra also questioned the decision to position Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of Pant at No. 4 during the South Africa series, especially since Gaikwad has been dropped for the upcoming New Zealand series. "You are keeping someone in the squad without giving him a chance. The player you chose was out of position, and despite scoring runs, he was dropped. The logic here is flawed," Chopra commented.
He suggested that there appears to be a disconnect between the selectors and the team management. "It seems the selectors and the management have differing views. The selectors might consider Ruturaj as a backup opener, but the management opts to play him at No. 4, along with Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar at No. 5, while sidelining Rishabh Pant. This approach is not effective," Chopra observed.
In the first ODI against South Africa, Washington Sundar batted at No. 5, while Tilak Varma participated in the final match but did not get a chance to bat.