Revealed: Why Rishabh Pant was overlooked by BCCI for leadership roles in India's squads for Sri Lanka series

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was not considered for the T20I captaincy for the Indian Cricket Team’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, along with key changes in captaincy, on Thursday, July 18.

Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the new T20I captain for Team India, taking over from Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. However, Rohit will continue his role as India captain in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Rishabh Pant overlooked for T20I captaincy by BCCI for the Sri Lanka tour

Shubman Gill will serve as Suryakumar and Rohit’s deputy for the T20I and ODI series in Sri Lanka, respectively. Well, BCCI’s changes, especially appointing Yadav as captain, left many puzzled, as Pant and Hardik Pandya were the strong candidates for India’s T20I captaincy.

While Pandya’s history of injuries and break from the ODI series are reportedly reasons behind his not considering for India’s T20I captaincy, Pant can be an option for the BCCI and selectors, but they opted for Suryakumar. Now, the reason behind the same has finally been revealed.

It is being said that Pant was already informed that he has not been considered for captaincy after the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in the West Indies, as he already has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders and BCCI doesn’t want to overburden the talented cricketer.

The aggressive left-handed batter, who made a remarkable comeback to international cricket after a life-threatening car accident, was told that he is a match-winner by the national selectors and BCCI, but they want his primary focus to be on securing his place in the Test team.

BCCI’s strategic decision revealed behind not appointing Rishabh Pant India's T20I captain

The reason behind the decision not to make Pant India T20I captain is to allow him to concentrate on his game without the additional pressures of captaincy. Pant has already shown great potential in the Test format and is expected to continue his strong performances in the format, especially in the upcoming Test series against Australia.

It is also being said that Pant’s contributions in T20I cricket, though notable, did not fully secure his place as a T20 captain at this time. The selectors and management want him to focus on strengthening his position in the team.

And then he is already Delhi Capitals (DC) captain in the IPL and does wicketkeeping, so another responsibility can impact his performance, which is why the decision was made to keep him focused on his role as a wicketkeeper-batter.

We don't want to overburden Rishabh Pant: BCCI

A well-known sports journalist, Vimal Kumar, revealed on his YouTube channel: “Rishabh Pant was already told about this during the West Indies tour. After winning the T20 World Cup 2024, he was explained. He was told that you are a very important player for us, you are a great match-winner, and you have made an inspirational comeback so far.

No one had thought that you would make a comeback so soon; you would be a part of the World Cup-winning team. So, the selectors and the BCCI believe that Rishabh Pant should be set first. He is a great match-winner in Test matches. The Australia tour is coming, and he should go with an open mind and play openly like he did in the past two tours of Australia. That is expected from him.

Plus, Rishabh Pant is also being told that his performance was just good in the T20I format, while he didn't secure his place in the ODI team. So, he has the responsibility to first secure his place. BCCI doesn’t want to overburden Pant. You are a wicketkeeper, you are a great player, and you are already the DC captain. We don't want to overburden you.”