Former Team India selector Devang Gandhi has hailed Rishabh Pant as the greatest wicketkeeper-batter in Indian cricket history. Gandhi said that Pant has made a remarkable impact in Test cricket and recalled his famous match-winning innings at the Gabba as one of the standout moments of his career.
The left-handed batter is currently preparing to play his milestone fiftieth Test match for the Indian national team. The upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan is set to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, from June 6 (Saturday) to June 10.
Devang Gandhi Backs Rishabh Pant After Vice-Captaincy Change
Speaking to IANS, Devang Gandhi shared his views on the decision to remove Rishabh Pant from the Test vice-captaincy. Gandhi said that the move could help Pant focus fully on his batting and regain his best form.
"See, to be honest, Rishabh got the captaincy because Shubman was injured. In all fairness, he was vice-captain. He had a fantastic England trip. Unfortunately, he couldn't play the entire series because of that injury. I feel that what happened with him in the IPL, I think selectors are looking at him where he can just discover himself back as a batsman."
Pant was recently replaced as Test vice-captain by KL Rahul under the leadership of Shubman Gill. He struggled with the bat while captaining Lucknow Super Giants during the disappointing IPL 2026 season.
Rishabh Is Probably the Best Wicketkeeper-Batter India Has Ever Seen - Devang Gandhi
Devang Gandhi praised Rishabh Pant's growth as both a batter and a wicketkeeper. The former selector said Pant's improvement behind the stumps often goes unnoticed and expressed hope that he marks his 50th Test with a century.
"So that was very nice to see and also, nobody talks about his wicket-keeping. The way he has improved his keeping - whether it is India or abroad, he has been rock-solid as a wicket-keeper. The only thing that I can wish is that this 50 he converts it into a 100."
"In whatever cricket I have seen, whatever Indian history as far as wicket-keeping batsmen is concerned, I think Rishabh is probably the best wicket-keeper batter India has ever seen so far."
Pant has scored 3,476 runs in 49 Test matches at an average of 42.91. The left-handed batter has also maintained an impressive strike rate of 74.24 in the format, registering eight centuries and 18 half-centuries.
Played Some Very Impactful Match-Winning Knocks- Devang Gandhi on Rishabh Pant
Devang Gandhi also said that Rishabh Pant has success in Test cricket in overseas conditions. The former selector said Pant has made a major impact on world cricket and has often delivered match-winning performances in challenging environments.
"It's very heartening to see the way he has evolved as a Test cricketer, the impact he has made on world cricket and playing 50 Test matches - it's a significant milestone. If you look at his performance overseas basically, whether just South Africa, England, even in Australia, he has played some very impactful match-winning knocks."
Pant scored 479 runs in four Tests at an average of 68.42, including two centuries during India's tour of England in 2025. However, the wicketkeeper-batter recently struggled against South Africa, managing only 49 runs in four innings at an average of 12.25. The Men in Blue suffered a 0-2 series defeat.
