India chief selector Ajit Agarkar reacted about Rishabh pants about losing his vice-captaincy ahead of India’s Test setup Afghanistan series. While Pant’s axing from the ODI squad and removal from the leadership group has created huge debate among fans, Agarkar revealed that the selectors still see him as one of India’s most valuable red-ball players.
It should be noted that BCCI announced the squads for India’s tour of Afghanistan on Tuesday Shubman Gill He continues as Test captain and KL Rahul vice-captain duties are given. Pant’s absence from India’s ODI plans and the management change quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the announcement.
Ajit Agarkar reveals Rishabh Pant’s Test future
Speaking during a press conference after the squad announcement, Agarkar made it clear that despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket, Pant’s place in India’s Test side is not in jeopardy.
“Rishabh is an incredible test player. Obviously he is not part of the ODI squad right now” Agarkar told reporters in a statement.
The former India pacer stressed that the selectors want Pant to focus on excellence in the longest format rather than reading too much into the management decision.
“We want him to be the best Test player he’s ever been. I don’t think there’s any concern about his place in the Test team.” Agarkar added.
The chief selector also explained that the Indian ODI team management is currently exploring different wicket-taking combinations as part of long-term planning.
“When it comes to ODI cricket, we’ve gone with two different options at this point” stated.
The lead was reset under Shubman Gill
Pant’s removal as vice-captain appears to be part of a wider leadership transition in India’s Test set-up following Gill’s elevation as captain. The selectors chose the experienced Rahul as Gill’s deputy, based on the great seamer’s calm presence and leadership experience across formats.
However, this move does not indicate any diminution in Pant’s importance in red ball cricket. In fact, his performances in Tests over the past year remain among the strongest in the Indian set-up.
Despite being injured during the England series, Pant enjoyed a remarkable 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 in the Leeds Test against England along with four half-centuries. These performances continue to reinforce why selectors still consider him a match-winner in the longest format.
The IPL struggle took its toll on Pant’s white ball box
While Pant’s Test numbers remain impressive, his IPL 2026 campaign has failed to strengthen his case for a leadership role or an ODI comeback. The wicketkeeper managed just 251 runs in 12 matches and struggled to win consecutive matches.
Pant’s absence from India’s ODI squad has been building gradually over the last 18 months. Injuries, erratic form and increased competition among goalkeepers all contributed to his decline. return of Ishan Kishistrong T20I performances Sanju Samson and Rahul’s credibility as India’s preferred ODI wicket-keeper has fueled the competition.
The selectors are also believed to favor long-term planning for future ICC events, especially given the conditions in South Africa for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
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