BCCI Sends Rishabh Pant The Coldest Warning With Test Vice-Captaincy Snub

Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]

In a massive move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squads for the upcoming one-off Test and ODI series against Afghanistan on May 19.

However, in an unfortunate incident for Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul was named the Test vice-captain to replace him in the leadership group.

Although Pant retained his place in the Test squad as a wicketkeeper-batter, he is now out of the ODI squad, with the intent clearly signalling that nothing is guaranteed in the current setup.

Rishabh Pant Stripped Of India's Vice-Captaincy Role

This poor development for Pant came after his underwhelming IPL 2026 season with LSG, flagging much bigger concerns over how his leadership roles have affected his core strengths.

While it seems the BCCI has adopted a ‘tough-love’ strategy to relieve Pant of extra pressure and intensify competition from reliable alternatives like KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, the sudden blow might dent Pant's confidence and gameplay.

The selectors might have found that the added responsibility is hindering Pant's batting. His tenure as LSG captain over the last two IPL seasons was mixed, with the team failing to consistently challenge for the title.

Poor Captaincy Under Scrutiny?

LSG couldn't even make the playoffs under Rishabh Pant's leadership, and questions also arose during his stints leading India in Tests, particularly in the South Africa series, where he stood in for Shubman Gill.

His tactical decisions have also been questioned, with many criticising his lack of composure under pressure.

While Pant was a fearless match-winner whose instinctive batting turned Tests on their head, the leadership duties seem to have clouded his decision-making at the crease, leading to premature dismissals or overcautious batting that doesn't align with his natural game.

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KL Rahul, A More Deserving VC for India?

Meanwhile, KL Rahul's elevation as the Test vice-captain of India makes perfect sense. The experienced veteran offers stability as both a batter and a keeper.

In Tests, his technique against pace and spin has been dependable, and his leadership is backed by years of experience. In fact, KL Rahul's recent form has made a strong case for him being the primary wicketkeeper-batter choice for the team, especially in white-ball cricket as well as red-ball cricket.

Dhruv Jurel Can Challenge Rishabh Pant’s Spot

Dhruv Jurel presents a different but almost equally potent challenge. The young Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter has impressed with good numbers and his solid glovework behind the stumps.

While Pant's overseas heroics and flamboyance remain cinematic, Jurel can be more trustworthy in the middle order.

With both Jurel and KL Rahul in the squad, it is surely an alarming bell for Pant, where the BCCI is now no longer reliant on the flashy, flamboyant boy from Delhi.

ODI Absence Another Key Concern

Rishabh Pant's IPL 2026 numbers underline the scrutiny. He has yielded very moderate numbers despite being an aggressive batter at the crease.

This is probably why he hasn't been included in the ODI squad either. Pant had limited ODI exposure since 2024, with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson pushing through with strong white-ball form.

Pant's ODI spot was already vulnerable. His absence now confirms the selectors' preference for proven consistency in the 50-over setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.

Spidey Pant Should Sense The Warning Bell

As of now, the Afghanistan series serves as a checkpoint for the heartbroken Pant, who stands at a crossroads. Stripped of his vice-captaincy, Pant will now have a better mental slate to rediscover his aggressive best in the one-off Test that will start from June 6.

If he delivers a solid performance there, BCCI might show faith in Pant again. However, failure might only accelerate the shift towards Rahul or Jurel as the primary wicketkeeper-batter choice.

Reputation is no longer a security for sports roles, and talent is the new currency, especially for Pant, who has been struggling with the bat for quite some time now.

As BCCI keeps Rishabh Pant on his toes, the warning bell will be as loud as a lion's roar in Pant's ears if he doesn't wake up from the type of cricket he is currently playing.

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