Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for India, has strongly supported the inclusion of Rishabh Pant in the playing XI for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes after Pant impressed during training sessions, according to reports from championtrophy.com.pk
Gautam Gambhir’s Shifting Views on Rishabh Pant
Initially, head coach Gautam Gambhir raised concerns about Pant’s consistency in white-ball cricket, which led to his exclusion from the 15-member squad. However, Agarkar’s backing and Pant’s recent form in the nets have caused Gambhir to reconsider his stance. The team management is still figuring out how to fit Pant into the playing XI, but Gambhir’s views are slowly evolving.
Rohit Sharma Supports Pant’s Inclusion
Rohit Sharma, despite not having full control over selection decisions due to Gambhir’s strong influence, has backed Pant’s inclusion in the team. Sharma recognizes Pant’s ability to win matches and believes he can make a significant impact in crucial situations. With both Agarkar and Sharma supporting Pant, his chances of making the playing XI are growing stronger.
Pant’s History of Performing Under Pressure
Pant has a proven track record of performing in high-pressure situations. A similar debate arose during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, where both Agarkar and Sharma backed Pant’s place in the Test XI ahead of Dhruv Jurel. Pant’s ability to perform in key moments only strengthens his case for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
Support for Pant from Delhi’s Cricketing Circles
Pant has strong support from Delhi’s cricketing circles, with many believing that leaving him out of the playing XI would be a mistake. A source close to the matter stated, “Pant is a match-winner, and leaving him out would be a grave error.” This backing highlights the importance of having Pant in India’s cricketing plans.
The Ongoing Discussion: Pant vs. KL Rahul
As the Champions Trophy approaches, the key question remains whether Pant will replace KL Rahul as the primary wicketkeeper. Although Pant was excluded from the ODI series against England earlier this year, his strong performances in training sessions have given the selectors more confidence in his abilities. Agarkar and Sharma’s support of Pant’s inclusion suggests that his chances of being included in the final XI are increasing.