Ajit Agarkar clarified the reasoning behind Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad and the decision to remove him as Test vice-captain ahead of the Afghanistan series.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant endured a major setback after the selectors announced the squads for the upcoming Afghanistan tour. The left-hander was left out of the ODI setup and was also removed from the vice-captaincy role in the Test team.
The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, revealed the squads on Tuesday as India prepare for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan next month. While Pant retained his place in the Test side, the leadership responsibilities were handed to KL Rahul.
Agarkar Explains Why Pant Was Removed From ODI Setup
During the press interaction following the squad announcement, Agarkar addressed the decisions surrounding Pant’s role in the national side. The chief selector made it clear that the management still sees Pant as a key figure in red-ball cricket and wants him to focus heavily on that format.
“We want him to become the best Test player that he has always been,”
Agarkar further backed Pant’s importance in the longest format and dismissed concerns over his Test position.
“I don’t think there is any concern with his spot in the Test team. I think he is one of our main batters in that line-up. [He] had a really good tour of England till he got injured. So, I am sure he would like a few more runs. But he has always been very good in Test cricket. At this point, yes, we have gone with two different [wicketkeeping] options in one-day cricket. But Test cricket, he remains one of our main players.”
The selectors instead opted for Rahul and Ishan Kishan as the two wicketkeeping choices in the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series.
KL Rahul Named India’s New Test Vice-Captain
With Pant no longer serving as deputy in the Test side, Rahul has now been entrusted with the vice-captaincy responsibilities under skipper Shubman Gill.
The move signals a fresh leadership direction within the Indian Test setup. Rahul’s experience and calm presence are believed to have played a significant role in the decision-making process. Pant, meanwhile, will continue to remain part of the core Test unit as one of India’s premier middle-order batters and wicketkeepers.
India have also included Dhruv Jurel in the Test squad as the second wicketkeeping option alongside Pant.
India Set For Afghanistan Challenge Next Month
India and Afghanistan are scheduled to face off in a one-off Test beginning June 6 in New Chandigarh. The action will then shift to the ODI format, with the three-match series set to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai on June 14, 17, and 20 respectively.
The squad announcement has already sparked widespread discussion among fans, particularly regarding Pant’s removal from the ODI side and leadership group despite remaining a central figure in India’s Test plans.
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