Ajinkya Rahane demands protection for Rishabh Pant in ODI setup
Published - 13 Jan 2026, 11:31 AM | Updated - 13 Jan 2026, 11:34 PM
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Ajinkya Rahane has come out in support of Rishabh Pant and added fresh fuel to the debate around the explosive wicketkeeper-batter’s future in India’s ODI team.
Rahane openly questioned the Indian cricket team management’s faith in Rishabh Pant and called for proper backing and protection.
Trust crisis in Team India? Ajinkya Rahane sparks fresh debate over Rishabh Pant’s ODI future
Recently, reports have suggested that Pant is not getting the same level of trust, confidence, and backing that he used to get in the previous regime since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach. There have been reports that Gambhir has often been unhappy with Pant’s shot selection, and Rahane, like many, felt this affected the way the left-hander has been playing.
The star wicketkeeper-batter has not played a single ODI for India since the Sri Lanka tour in August 2024. Even though he has been part of ODI squads after that tour, Pant has repeatedly missed out on a place in the playing eleven. Even in India's ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, Pant was included in the squad but was later ruled out due to a side strain.
Read Also: Rishabh Pant picks his 3 Best Cricketing Moments that shaped his career
Ajinkya Rahane demands full backing for Rishabh Pant
As the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain once again missed his chance, Rahane believes this situation needs to change. He feels Pant is not a player who should be doubted, but he needs clear support from the team management and reassurance that the team stands firmly behind him. Rahane stressed that Pant is a match-winner who can completely flip a game on its head.
Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz, “I feel Rishabh Pant is the guy you need to back him. You need to, like, support him and just have a word with him that as a team management we are backing you; you just go out there and play your game. He's the x-factor. He can change the game and change the momentum completely.
Trust unlocks Pant’s beast mode: Ajinkya Rahane
From Rahane’s experience, especially in Test cricket, Pant performs at his best when he is given freedom and confidence. When the message is simple and clear that he is trusted and valued, Pant plays fearless cricket and delivers impact performances, and Rahane feels that the same approach can work in ODIs as well if he is given clarity and security about his role.
The veteran cricketer further noted, “That's what I have seen in Test cricket, especially when you tell him that you are the man, go out there and back yourself, and play your game with freedom. So, if he gets that freedom, if he gets a security that ‘I know this is my slot, and I can go out there and do whatever I like,’ I thought he can do that in ODIs as well.”
Role confusion should not block Pant
The question of where Pant fits into India’s ODI eleven remains tough, but Rahane feels this should not become a roadblock. He believes team situations can change quickly and that Pant has the skill and mindset to adapt and handle any role given to him.
Rahane signed off by saying, “It is tough, but again, a situation can change anytime. I just want to say he has the quality and ability, and whatever number team management asks him to bat, he can do it. He can play any role.”
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