Mohammad Kaif Questions BCCI Over Rishabh Pant’s Test Vice-Captaincy Snub
A Controversial Change in Leadership
The recent squad announcement for India’s upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan has stirred significant conversation within the cricketing fraternity. While the inclusion of fresh faces and the captaincy of Shubman Gill grabbed headlines, the decision to remove Rishabh Pant from the position of Test vice-captain has drawn sharp criticism from former Indian international Mohammad Kaif.
Kaif Defends Pant’s Credentials
In a candid discussion on JioStar, the 45-year-old Kaif expressed his clear disapproval of the selectors’ decision. Kaif emphasized that Pant’s removal appears disconnected from his actual contributions on the field. ‘Pant hasn’t done anything wrong. Both ODI and Tests are totally different formats,’ Kaif noted, highlighting the disparity between T20 league performance and international Test success.
The statistics certainly back Kaif’s sentiment. Throughout 2025, Pant solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable middle-order batters in the world. Competing in seven Test matches, he amassed 629 runs at a healthy average of 48, featuring two centuries and four half-centuries. For many, his status as India’s premier match-winner in the longest format remains unquestioned.
Separating Formats and Captaincy
A major point of contention raised by Kaif is the possibility that the selectors are letting IPL form influence national team decisions. There has been speculation that the struggle of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)—the team led by Pant in the IPL—may have negatively impacted his standing with the board. Kaif dismissed this logic entirely, stating, ‘You are judging Pant based on his IPL captaincy skills. There are talks that under his captaincy, the team is losing, and the player himself is not scoring runs. But Rishabh Pant is India’s biggest match-winner in the Test format as a batter.’
Consistency Concerns and the Mohammed Shami Debate
The critique from Kaif did not stop at Pant’s demotion. He further questioned the BCCI’s selection policy regarding veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Despite showing consistent fitness and form, Shami continues to be excluded from the squad. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has previously cited medical reports suggesting Shami’s body is currently suited only for T20 cricket.
Kaif challenged the logic used by the selection committee, pointing to an apparent inconsistency regarding player age. ‘KL is 34, you don’t pick Shami because of his age, but appoint Rahul as the vice-captain. The selectors have to be consistent,’ Kaif argued. He remains a firm advocate for prioritizing current form over age-related bias, urging the board to select players who are actively delivering results with both the bat and the ball.
Looking Ahead: The New-Ball Attack
With star pacer Jasprit Bumrah rested for the series, the responsibility of the new-ball attack falls upon Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. The inclusion of Gurnoor Brar, who is slated to potentially make his international debut, adds a layer of intrigue to the series. However, the shadow of these selection controversies looms large over the preparation.
Conclusion
As India prepares to face Afghanistan, the focus remains firmly on how the new leadership group handles the pressure. Rishabh Pant’s omission from the ODI squad and his subsequent loss of the vice-captaincy in the longest format remain hot topics. Mohammad Kaif’s intervention serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and consistency in the selection process, ensuring that India’s best match-winners are empowered rather than sidelined. Whether the selectors will revisit their strategy in the future remains a point of intense speculation among cricket followers.
