Rishabh Pant’s Surprising Exclusion from Captaincy
Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, will play in ‘Team B’ for the Duleep Trophy 2024-25. The BCCI named the squads on August 14, with the tournament beginning on September 5. Interestingly, the BCCI did not name Pant as captain; instead, Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the team. This decision has surprised many, especially former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who questioned the BCCI’s move. Years ago, many saw Pant as a potential successor to Rohit Sharma for the Test captaincy.
Aakash Chopra’s Take on the Decision
Chopra expressed his surprise on his YouTube channel. “Rishabh Pant is not a captain. He has been selected in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s team. He is playing under Easwaran’s captaincy, which is okay. However, is Rishabh Pant not even a candidate for Test captaincy? I am a little surprised,” he said.
Pant’s Test Cricket Credentials
Chopra emphasized Pant’s exceptional performance in Test cricket. “The best avatar of Rishabh Pant is as a Test cricketer. He is the only wicketkeeper in Indian cricket history to score centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia in Test matches. The way he plays and scores consistently in Test cricket makes him a captaincy candidate in my opinion,” Chopra added.
Curious About Gautam Gambhir’s Opinion
Chopra is also curious about head coach Gautam Gambhir’s opinion on Pant’s exclusion from the captaincy. He said, “A new era has started. So, I am very curious to know Gautam’s opinion on Rishabh Pant as captain.” He noted that players like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and even Easwaran are captains, but not Pant. This, according to Chopra, is significant.
Pant’s Career and Potential
Rishabh Pant has excelled in Test cricket with his aggressive batting and crucial centuries in tough conditions. His consistent scoring in high-pressure situations makes him a key player. However, not considering him for captaincy raises questions about the team’s direction.
The Role of Experience and Leadership
Leadership in cricket requires performance, inspiration, and guidance. Pant’s aggressive and fearless approach shows his leadership potential. His Test cricket experience and achievements could be valuable in a captaincy role. The decision to appoint Easwaran over Pant suggests a different vision for the team’s future.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from the Duleep Trophy captaincy has sparked debate. Aakash Chopra’s concerns highlight broader questions about the future leadership of the Indian Test team. As the Duleep Trophy unfolds, Pant’s performance under Easwaran’s leadership will be closely watched. The cricket community will keenly observe the reasoning behind this move and its impact on India’s Test cricket strategy. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
