Is AB de Villiers Right Questioning Rishabh Pant's Test Selection Based On IPL 2026?

Did AB de Villiers rightly question Rishabh Pant's Test selection [Source: BCCI, X]

South African cricket legend AB de Villiers expressed surprise at the inclusion of Rishabh Pant in the India Test squad vs Sri Lanka. Led by Shubman Gill, India are set to take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, starting on August 15.

While Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will form India's top order, captain Shubman Gill is expected to be the backbone of the middle-order alongside several high-profile names such as Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. 

In the absence of Washington Sundar, Pant and Jadeja will be tasked to bolster the Indian lineup with experience and game awareness. 

Why was AB de Villiers surprised at Rishabh Pant's selection for IND vs SL Tests?

Former South African captain AB de Villiers found it surprising when the BCCI selection committee included Rishabh Pant in the India Test squad vs Sri Lanka. 

De Villiers felt Pant's fitness standards were not up to the mark, while also highlighting a sharp decline in his hunger to score runs in the IPL 2026. The Proteas talisman reckoned that Pant lacked confidence and feared if his recent form would cost India the series against Sri Lanka. 

"(Rishabh) Pant is there in the squad, which is a bit of a surprise. We'll see what his fitness looks like and his appetite to perform. He looked a little low on confidence and energy in the IPL," AB de Villiers said in his YouTube channel. 

Thus, De Villiers doubted Pant's credentials as a Test player, citing his fitness concerns and recent form in the IPL 2026. Is the South African great correct in his assessment or he needs to get his facts right?

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Was Rishabh Pant's fitness an issue for LSG in IPL 2026?

While AB de Villiers questioned Rishabh Pant's fitness in IPL 2026, it's worth noting that the Indian cricketer underwent rigorous physical transformation prior to the competition. According to an Indian Express report, dating back to March 2026, Pant shredded plenty of weight and looked 'remarkably fit' ahead of the IPL season. 

After recovering from an internal oblique muscle tear which kept him out of action in the early part of 2026, Pant worked with the legendary Yuvraj Singh to improve his game and fitness. As a result, his fitness was never an issue for the left-handed batter, as he went on to play all 14 matches for LSG in the IPL 2026. 

Rishabh Pant suffered an injury scare in the LSG vs RCB match after one of Josh Hazlewood's pacy deliveries struck him right on his elbow. But it turned out to be a minor setback, as the left-hander continued batting and played the subsequent matches without any hiccup. 

Thus, although Pant didn't score runs efficiently, his fitness wasn't a factor that derailed LSG's campaign in the IPL 2026. 

Debunking AB de Villiers' claim: When Rishabh Pant's IPL downfall didn't affect his Test performance

AB de Villiers feared if Rishabh Pant's meagre returns in the IPL 2026 will affect his performance in Test cricket. However, the Indian cricketer has proven his worth in the longest format, despite battling inconsistency in the IPL. 

(Rishabh Pant's IPL vs Test stats comparison in specific timelines)

The data presented in the above table shows Rishabh Pant's performance in Test cricket amid his IPL downfall in specific timelines. For instance, the Delhi batter was inconsistent in the IPL from 2020 to 2022, but that phase didn't witness his decline in the longest format, where he scored 1365 runs at a healthy average of 42.7 and a superb strike rate of 76.3. 

Similarly, Pant has struggled to get going in the IPL for LSG since 2025. But his numbers in Test cricket are excellent in this period, as he has amassed 781 runs, averaging over 50 and striking at 76.3. 

Rishabh Pant is an asset in Tests regardless of his IPL form

While Rishabh Pant has had a few fitness setbacks in the past, those were primarily caused by external factors. He met an unfortunate accident on the New Year's eve in 2022, being sidelined from cricket in 2023. 

Meanwhile, the foot injury he sustained was due to an immaculate yorker from Chris Woakes which struck him at the unprotected part of his toe during India's visit to England in 2025. 

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has maintained remarkable consistency in Test cricket, averaging 43.38 after 50 matches. His aggressive game, proactive stroke-play and ability to dismantle bowling attacks with audacity make Pant an X-factor in India's Test squad. 

Pant will play a key role in countering the Sri Lankan spinners, especially Prabath Jayasuriya, when Team India travels to the Island Nation in August. He can decimate the Lankan spin attack, having averaged 49.59 on the spin-friendly pitches of the Indian subcontinent. 

Therefore, contrary to AB de Villiers' claims, Rishabh Pant remains an integral member of the Test team, despite blowing hot and cold as an IPL player. 

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