Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced his frustration regarding the national team's reluctance to utilize Rishabh Pant in the ODI format, despite consistently selecting him in the squad. Chopra labeled the Delhi Capitals captain a "generational talent" whose potential is being underutilized by the current team management.
Pant, who last played an ODI in August 2024, was recently included in the squad for the New Zealand series. Chopra argued that if the selectors believe in his talent enough to keep him in the squad, they should provide him with match opportunities, such as playing him in all three matches against South Africa, to properly assess his form.
The wicketkeeper-batter boasts 871 runs in 31 ODIs at a strike rate of 106.21. Chopra lamented that by not giving Pant a chance when available, the team is missing opportunities to integrate a high-impact player, suggesting that future opportunities may become scarce.
This analysis was generated by Third Umpire using official IPL statistics and live match data.
“Rishabh Pant hasn't played ODIs since 2024, but he remains part of the team. He is a generational talent.”
Leading highest individual scores scorers in IPL Career (batting specialists only: batters/all-rounders/wicketkeepers)
| Rank | Player | Team | highest-scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 141 | |
#2 | Mumbai Indians | 140* | |
#3 | Delhi Capitals | 132* | |
| #4 | Gujarat Titans | 129 | |
| #5 | Lucknow Super Giants | 128* |
See what cricket fans are saying about this in our Facebook community.
His biggest financial boost came when Lucknow Super Giants signed him for INR 27.00 crore, making him the highest-paid player in IPL history.
The wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has maintained his spot in the side, despite media reports stating otherwise.
I think he just needs to bat, and bat. He got an excellent 70-odd for Delhi. He just needs to keep scoring runs, playing white-ball cricket wherever he gets the opportunity - domestic or otherwise - and learn his trade, learn what suits him.
“Rishabh Pant hasn't played ODIs since 2024, but he remains part of the team. He is a generational talent.”
