Rishabh Pant is likely to lose his job as the vice-captain of the India national cricket team in Tests after his flop IPL 2026 season as both a batter and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain. Both Pant and LSG struggled badly this season, with the franchise crashing out of the playoffs early.
The India national cricket team is all set to host the Afghanistan national cricket team in a one-off Test from June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, followed by a three-match ODI series. The ODI matches are scheduled for June 14, 17, and 20.
Rishabh Pant faces a leadership setback after IPL 2026 struggles
The Indian selectors will reportedly meet in Guwahati on Tuesday (May 19) to pick the Test and ODI squads for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan, and most of the discussion is likely to revolve around Rishabh Pant and his role in the team.
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It is being said that most of the core will be retained for the Afghanistan Test, but the ODI squad may see some changes. Well, Pant’s place in the Test squad is not in danger, but his position as the vice-captain is now looking uncertain. The top officials are reportedly mulling over stripping Pant from the leadership team because it is affecting his decision-making and consistency.
Concerns over captaincy impact on Rishabh Pant's form
The left-handed batter is known for his fearless batting, but there is a growing feeling inside the system that the added responsibility is not bringing out the best in Rishabh Pant's natural game. And it was evident during his two stints with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Apart from his failure at LSG, Pat also failed to impress the selectors and team management with his tactical acumen and on-field moves when he was given the responsibility to lead India against South Africa in the Guwahati Test in November last year.
However, despite the Indian wicketkeeper’s struggles, there is no question about his value as a batter. He remains one of India’s biggest match winners in Test cricket, someone who can change the game in a single session, so they don’t want to lose such a match winner because of leadership.
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We cannot afford to lose a batting match-winner: BCCI on Rishabh Pant's struggles
A BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI, “Indian cricket simply cannot afford to lose a batting match-winner like Rishabh. He has won and set up Test matches with his aggressive batting. There is a growing feeling among men who matter that whenever he has been entrusted with additional responsibility, he doesn't seem to make good decisions while batting. Giving him an opportunity to play freely could be foremost on the minds of the selection committee.”
Speaking about ODIs, KL Rahul continues to be the first-choice keeper in the 50-over format, and now there is strong competition for the second spot. Dhruv Jurel, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan are all in the race, and each one of them has made a strong case with their performances. This makes Pant’s ODI chances bleak, especially given his form with the bat in the IPL 2026.
