India’s premier wicketkeeper‑batter Rishabh Pant confirmed that being left out of the squad for the West Indies One‑Day International (ODI) series was a painful experience, but he stressed that setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey. Pant made the comments on the Business of Sport podcast, where he also detailed his recent form, the growing competition for the white‑ball wicketkeeping role and his determination to reclaim a place in the national side.
ODI record and recent exclusion
Pant’s ODI career, though limited in the number of matches, has produced a respectable statistical line. In 31 appearances he has accumulated 871 runs at an average of 33.50. His highest score, an unbeaten 125 against England in 2022, remains his sole century in the format, complemented by five half‑centuries. Despite those contributions, more than two years have passed since Pant last featured in an ODI, and his future in the 50‑over game has become increasingly uncertain.
When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the West Indies series, Pant’s name was absent. The omission came at a time when Pant was also named captain of the Rest of India side for the Irani Cup, a domestic appointment that offered little solace for a player still hoping to return to the national 50‑over set‑up.
Competition for the wicketkeeper‑batter slot
Pant’s absence from the 2023 World Cup was precipitated by an accident that kept him away from professional cricket for a year. In that interval, KL Rahul cemented his position as India’s primary wicketkeeper‑batter in ODIs. The competition for the role has intensified, with Ishan Kishan—who holds the record for the fastest ODI double century—yet to become a regular fixture in the side, and Dhruv Jurel also named in the West Indies ODI squad.
In the Twenty‑20 International arena, Pant’s prospects have similarly dimmed. Sanju Samson has emerged as India’s first‑choice keeper in the format, earning the Player of the Tournament award at the recent T20 World Cup. When Samson is not selected, Ishan Kishan has taken over wicketkeeping duties, leaving Pant further down the pecking order.
Recent IPL performances
Pant’s recent Indian Premier League (IPL) numbers provide additional context to his national selection dilemma. In the 2025 edition he scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45, striking at a rate of 133.17, and capped the campaign with a century in the final league match. The following season saw a modest improvement: 312 runs at an average of 28.36 with a strike rate of 138. While the figures indicate a steady contribution, they fall short of the prolific output often associated with a guaranteed spot in India’s ODI lineup.
Mindset and personal resolve
During the podcast, Pant acknowledged the emotional impact of being dropped, saying, “Definitely, you feel bad when something like this happens. But an athlete’s mindset allows you to feel that when there’s a setback, there is always a comeback.” He emphasized that dealing with disappointment is “part and parcel of the game” and that a disciplined inner voice drives daily effort.
He added, “You know how hard you’re working, and you’re clear in your path to maintain at this level. The only thing is it’s easier to pass opinions all the time, but at the same time, people have to wait for things to happen.” Pant’s comments underline a belief that consistent hard work, rather than external commentary, will eventually translate into selection.
Looking ahead
Despite the setbacks, Pant remains resolute about earning another chance. He stated, “There is no doubt that I have to make it happen, because for me, I feel like I haven’t had the best of opportunities to give my best, but at the same time, international cricket is changing. Sometimes you have to wait for the chance and make things happen.” The wicketkeeper‑batter expressed confidence that perseverance and performance will eventually open the door back to the national side.
Fans and pundits continue to debate the ideal first‑choice wicketkeeper‑batter for India’s ODI team. A recent poll on the topic attracted more than three thousand participants sharing their opinions and over five thousand votes, reflecting the high level of public interest in the selection debate.
As the West Indies series approaches, Pant’s exclusion serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and evolving dynamics within Indian cricket. Whether his statements translate into a return to the ODI squad will depend on his ability to convert domestic form into compelling performances that outshine his contemporaries.
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