New Delhi: Rishabh Pant has been urged to focus on improving his fitness, consistency and temperament if he aims to reclaim his place as an all-format player for India, according to former wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani.
Pant, widely regarded as one of India’s most naturally gifted cricketers, has largely been confined to Test cricket over the past two years, even as he continues to feature in T20s through the Indian Premier League. His absence from other formats has sparked debate, especially given his past reputation as a match-winner across all formats.
Kirmani highlights key areas of concern
Speaking in an interview, Syed Kirmani pointed out that Pant’s approach to the game needs refinement if he is to succeed consistently at the highest level. While acknowledging his immense talent, Kirmani stressed that uncontrolled aggression and inconsistency have held him back.
“Rishabh has to work hard on his physical fitness, consistency and temperament. His temperament is very vulnerable and turbulent,” Kirmani said.
He added that modern cricket demands adaptability rather than a one-dimensional approach. According to him, a player cannot rely solely on aggressive instincts in every situation.
“No player can say ‘I am a born hitter, I have to hit every ball’. You have to understand the format, the situation and what the team expects from you,” he explained.
Competition intensifies for wicketkeeper’s role
Pant’s path back into India’s limited-overs squads is further complicated by intense competition. Several wicketkeeper-batters have emerged as strong contenders, making selection decisions increasingly challenging.
Kirmani highlighted the presence of players like KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, all of whom have delivered consistent performances when given opportunities.
“There is fierce competition among these players. Every player has to be on their toes, not only Rishabh Pant,” Kirmani noted.
He added that selectors now face a “huge problem” in choosing the right wicketkeeper-batter, given the depth of talent available in Indian cricket.
Impact of injury and recovery phase
Pant’s career trajectory was significantly disrupted by a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, which sidelined him for over a year. He made a remarkable comeback to competitive cricket during IPL 2024 after a 15-month rehabilitation period.
While his return was widely celebrated, Kirmani believes the time away from the game allowed other players to cement their positions.
“During his recovery, other wicketkeepers came up and showed consistency in Tests and ODIs. In that process, Rishabh lost some ground,” he said.
Kirmani acknowledged that Pant is still regaining his rhythm but emphasised that he has yet to match the consistency he displayed before the accident.
Talent unquestioned, execution under scrutiny
Despite his criticisms, Kirmani did not hold back in praising Pant’s natural ability. He described him as one of the most talented players India has produced in recent decades, even placing him in elite company.
“When Rishabh Pant came into the Indian side, I considered him the most gifted player after Sachin Tendulkar,” he said.
However, Kirmani admitted surprise at Pant’s current situation, particularly his limited participation across formats.
His remarks underline a key point: talent alone is not enough to sustain a long and successful international career without discipline and consistency.
Responsibility lies with the player
Kirmani also made it clear that while coaches and mentors can provide guidance, the ultimate responsibility for performance lies with the player.
“The coaches can only guide before a match. After that, it is the player who has to deliver. Nobody else can take the blame,” he stated.
This perspective reflects a broader philosophy in professional sport, where individual accountability plays a crucial role in determining success.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant stands at a critical juncture in his career, with the potential to reclaim his status as an all-format player for India. While his talent remains unquestioned, experts believe that improvements in fitness, temperament and consistency are essential for his progress.
With fierce competition for places and evolving demands of international cricket, Pant will need to adapt and refine his approach. If he succeeds, he could once again become a central figure in India’s plans across all formats. For now, the message from veterans like Syed Kirmani is clear—talent must be matched with discipline to achieve sustained success.