Former India cricketer Syed Kirmani has weighed in on the future of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, offering a scathing critique of his recent performance and conduct. Kirmani, a former wicketkeeper himself, believes Pant's flamboyance, physical fitness, and temperament need addressing if he wants to reclaim his place in all formats of the game.
Pant, once touted as a natural all-format player, has been restricted to Tests in the past two years, with his T20 cricket limited to the Indian Premier League. Kirmani's comments come as a stark reminder of the high standards expected of Indian cricketers, especially those with Pant's talent and potential.
"Rishabh has to work hard on his physical fitness, consistency, and temperament," Kirmani told PTI. "His temperament is very vulnerable and turbulent. No player can say they're a born hitter and have to hit every ball. You have to consider the circumstances and the format you're playing."
Kirmani's critique extends beyond Pant's on-field performance. He highlights the fierce competition within the Indian team, particularly in the wicketkeeping role, where Pant faces rivals like KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson. "There is fierce competition among players," Kirmani noted, "and every player has to be at their best to get selected."
The former cricketer also addressed Pant's serious car accident in December 2022, which he believes has impacted his performance. "It's the unfortunate accident that he went through," Kirmani said. "In that process, all other wicketkeepers in the making came up one after another. They showed consistency in Test matches and ODIs."
Kirmani's comments raise questions about Pant's future in the Indian team. With his recent struggles and the emergence of new talent, Pant must now prove himself worthy of a place in all formats, starting with consistent performances and a more measured approach to his on-field demeanor.
