Kiran More Backs Rishabh Pant for Strong Comeback Amid Lean Patch
The Resilience of Rishabh Pant: An Iconic Comeback Awaits
Rishabh Pant, a name synonymous with explosive batting and match-winning performances for India, is currently navigating one of the most testing phases of his illustrious career. With the wicketkeeper-batter sidelined from the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan and seeing his role as vice-captain in red-ball cricket reassigned, questions regarding his future have naturally surfaced. However, amidst the speculation, former Indian wicketkeeper and esteemed selector Kiran More has emerged as a vocal supporter, asserting that Pant’s fighting spirit is far from extinguished.
A Challenging Season in the Spotlight
The 2026 IPL season has been undeniably difficult for the star. Managing only 286 runs across 13 matches while his team, the Lucknow Super Giants, failed to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year, has left fans and critics concerned. These struggles, coupled with the fallout from a difficult Test series against South Africa, have led to a reconfiguration of the national squad. With Ishan Kishan stepping in as the designated second-in-command for the ODI setup, the pressure on Pant to reinvent himself is at an all-time high.
Kiran More: A Testament to Pant’s Character
Despite the dip in form, Kiran More’s perspective remains rooted in his intimate knowledge of the player’s history. Having worked closely with Pant, More views the current slump as a temporary hurdle rather than a permanent decline. Speaking to IANS, the veteran selector emphasized the emotional weight of Pant’s journey, specifically referencing the life-altering car accident that nearly ended the cricketer’s career.
“He is a fighter, a player with immense courage and a big heart,” More stated. “He has won Test matches single-handedly. Every cricketer goes through a phase like this; you pass through such times. When his life was saved, and he returned to the team, he performed so well, so this current phase is nothing compared to that.” More’s confidence suggests that if Pant could overcome a near-fatal accident to return to the pinnacle of world cricket, a technical or form-based lean patch is well within his capability to conquer.
The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Beyond his defense of Pant, Kiran More has also turned his attention to the next generation of Indian cricket. He highlighted the meteoric rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a young talent who has captured global attention with his aggressive batting style. With 579 runs in 13 matches and an astounding strike rate of 236.22, Sooryavanshi represents the new, fearless breed of Indian batters.
More described the teenager as a “special player” sent to India to make an impact. He urged the cricketing community to offer the youngster space to grow, noting that adding excessive pressure at such a tender age could be counterproductive. “I want him to play Test matches, one-day matches, and T20s whenever he makes his debut for India,” More added, expressing his optimism for the youngster’s future across all three formats.
Grassroots Impact and Future Talent
The conversation around player development also touched upon the importance of grassroots cricket. Under More’s supervision, initiatives like the Beyond Reach Premier League are being launched to scout talent from non-traditional pathways, such as tennis-ball cricket. This format has historically provided a platform for players like Prince Yadav, who transitioned from local tennis-ball circuits to the professional stage, proving that the search for talent must remain broad and inclusive.
As the Indian cricket team looks toward future challenges, the blend of experienced warriors like Rishabh Pant and exciting prospects like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains the cornerstone of the nation’s cricketing philosophy. If Kiran More’s assessment holds true, fans can expect not only a resurgence from their established star but also a thrilling future led by the next generation of aggressive, high-intent cricketers.
