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The India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is aiming to make a strong comeback in Tests after losing his place in both ODI and T20I teams because of his persistent poor performances with the bat. He also had a forgettable IPL 2026 season.
Pant has started his preparations for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, and he has got the best mentor by his side, and that is none other than the legendary MS Dhoni. Amid this, KL Rahul set to lead Delhi Capitals as Rishabh Pant declines captaincy ahead of IPL 2027.
Rishabh Pant trains with MS Dhoni ahead of Sri Lanka Test series
Rishabh Pant is currently training with one of the greatest ever captains and wicketkeeper-batters, MS Dhoni, in Ranchi ahead of India’s all-important two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.
It is being said that the left-handed batter has been training under Dhoni at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi. Amid this, Jasprit Bumrah cleared to play both Sri Lanka Tests after injury.
During the training camp, the former Indian captain is reportedly helping Pant with game awareness, decision-making, wicketkeeping skills, power-hitting, and overall fitness.
MS DHONI × RISHABH PANT 😍
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 31, 2026
- Pant is training with MS Dhoni at Ranchi ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series. pic.twitter.com/QMERdVoH4M
Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni’s bond beyond the game
Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni are not just former teammates, but they also share a close bond like elder and younger brothers. Since the start of Pant’s international career, the legendary wicketkeeper has always supported him, especially when he faced criticism and pressure as his successor.
Dhoni has helped Pant improve his wicketkeeping and game awareness while always encouraging him to learn from his own mistakes. Pant often visits Dhoni's farmhouse in Ranchi, where they spend time together and enjoy family time.
They also celebrate festivals and special occasions together, and even the former Indian captain attended all the festivities of Pant’s sister’s wedding last year. Even once Pant said that Dhoni is the only person in his life with whom he can share anything.
Sri Lanka Tests could decide Rishabh Pant's future
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been picked for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 15. After a disappointing IPL 2026 season and losing his place in India's ODI and T20I teams, the Test series gives him a big chance to make a strong comeback.
However, Pant's place in the playing XI is not guaranteed. Dhruv Jurel has impressed with both the bat and the gloves, making things even tougher for the wicketkeeper. Pant has also lost the Test vice-captain's role to KL Rahul, so he must now step up and shut down his critics with his bat.
Rishabh Pant's Test future
Pant has so far played 50 Test matches for India and scored 3,557 runs. He has hit 8 centuries and 19 fifties in 87 innings in the format so far. Pant has the most Test hundreds as an Indian wicketkeeper.
The Indian wicketkeeper last played for India in June 2026 during the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur. Pant has struck a brilliant fifty in the first innings and will now look to carry that form into the crucial Test series in Sri Lanka.
