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“Don’t Ignore Rishabh Pant…” Irfan Pathan’s Big Warning to Selectors as 2027 ODI World Cup Build-Up Begins
As India enter a crucial new ODI cycle, former pacer Irfan Pathan urges selectors to keep faith in Rishabh Pant, even as competition intensifies for wicketkeeper spots and veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain under scrutiny.
With the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup now officially underway, conversations around India’s core squad are heating up faster than expected. Ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, former India pacer Irfan Pathan has delivered a strong and timely reminder to the selectors — do not write off Rishabh Pant just yet.
Speaking during a broadcast interaction with JioHotstar, Pathan made it clear that while Pant currently finds himself out of India’s white-ball setup, his international career is far from finished. The remarks come at a time when India are actively reshaping their ODI structure, with new names emerging and established players fighting to hold their spots.
The wicketkeeping discussion in Indian cricket has become increasingly competitive. According to Pathan, KL Rahul KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs due to his consistency in the middle order and adaptability at different positions. Behind him, Ishan Kishan Ishan Kishan has strengthened his case with aggressive batting and improved domestic leadership, while Sanju Samson Sanju Samson is also in the mix after delivering whenever given opportunities.
Amid this crowded race, Rishabh Pant Rishabh Pant has slipped down the pecking order following a difficult phase in white-ball cricket. His struggles were further highlighted during recent Indian Premier League seasons, where he failed to deliver consistent performances despite high expectations. However, his talent has never been in question — only his form.
Pant’s fortunes, though, showed a glimpse of revival recently when he played a fluent Test innings against Afghanistan, scoring a composed 81 off 121 balls. The knock reminded fans and selectors alike of his natural ability to shift momentum in a game within a few overs.
Pathan, reflecting on Pant’s situation, drew parallels with players who have bounced back from similar setbacks through domestic cricket performances and persistence.
“As a backup, the selectors have brought in Ishan Kishan. That is a smart selection. But about Rishabh Pant, my suggestion is not to completely ignore him. Yes, he has fallen behind in white-ball cricket, but look at Ishan Kishan — he used domestic cricket to come back stronger,” Pathan said.
The former pacer stressed that Pant should take inspiration from such comebacks rather than lose confidence. His message was simple: form may fluctuate, but match-winning ability at the international level is rare and must not be discarded too quickly.
Pathan also highlighted that the ODI setup is evolving and that selectors will need to balance present performance with long-term impact. With India already looking ahead to the 2027 global tournament in South Africa, every selection decision carries added weight.
The debate does not stop at wicketkeepers. Pathan also addressed growing speculation around the future of senior stars Rohit Sharma Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Virat Kohli, stating that their experience remains invaluable in a high-pressure World Cup environment — even as discussions around transition continue in the background.
As India begin their new ODI cycle, one thing is clear: selection debates are only going to get louder. And in the middle of it all stands Rishabh Pant — a player still capable of changing the narrative with one explosive innings.
