Irfan Pathan Urges Selectors to Keep Rishabh Pant in Mind for 2027 World Cup
Former Indian bowler Irfan Pathan has shared an important message for the national selectors as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He advised them not to disregard Rishabh Pant, despite his recent exclusion from the white-ball team.
During a conversation with JioHotstar ahead of India’s important three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, Pathan highlighted that even though Pant’s form has dipped, his career in one-day internationals is not over. The gifted wicketkeeper-batter has struggled recently, especially in the IPL.
Pant faced challenges in the last two IPL seasons while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Purchased for a staggering ₹27 crore, he could only score 312 runs across 14 matches in the 2026 season, leaving LSG at the bottom of the table. This pressure led Pant to step down as captain of the franchise.
However, Pant reminded everyone of his talent just days ago in a Test match against Afghanistan, where he scored a solid 81 runs from 121 balls, showcasing his talent and potential.
Pathan believes Pant should take a page from teammate Ishan Kishan’s playbook and use the situation as motivation. Kishan, who also faced a drop from the team, worked hard in domestic cricket and led Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Pathan emphasized the current wicketkeeping scenario, mentioning that KL Rahul is the first-choice keeper for ODIs and Kishan is a strong backup option. He also included Sanju Samson as a contender, praising his performance whenever given a chance.
“Rishabh Pant has fallen behind in white-ball cricket, but he should not be overlooked completely. He can gain inspiration from Ishan Kishan’s journey and keep pushing to make a comeback,” Pathan said.
Pant’s last ODI appearance was in August 2024, and although he was part of the champions’ squad for the 2025 title, he did not play throughout the tournament.
Pathan also touched on the ongoing debate around veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, asserting that their experience is vital for the team heading into the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
Pathan’s insights serve as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of sports and the importance of perseverance.
Published By: Akshay Ramesh
Published On: Jun 12, 2026
