Indian keeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been making a lot of news these days however for all the wrong reasons. The 25-year-old’s poor form and inconsistent performances have left everyone wondering about his position in the Indian team. While he has been receiving criticism from all corners for his performances, on the other hand, the BCCI and the Indian team management continue to back him.
Rishabh Pant was initially a part of the Indian squad currently taking on Bangladesh in the ongoing 3-match ODI series, however, he was released moments before the series started. And to everyone’s surprise, KL Rahul was seen batting down the order at number 5, with veteran Shikhar Dhawan opening the innings with captain Rohit Sharma.
Earlier it was reported that Pant was rested after consultation with the BCCI Medical Team, however, no further explanation for his absence was provided by the board. Ahead of the 1st ODI against Bangladesh, the BCCI had announced:
“UPDATE – In consultation with the BCCI Medical Team, Rishabh Pant has been released from the ODI squad. He will join the team ahead of the Test series. No replacement has been sought”
🚨 UPDATE
In consultation with the BCCI Medical Team, Rishabh Pant has been released from the ODI squad. He will join the team ahead of the Test series. No replacement has been sought
Axar Patel was not available for selection for the first ODI.#TeamIndia | #BANvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 4, 2022
Later, vice-captain KL Rahul said that he was also unaware of Pant’s situation and noticed Rishabh’s absence in the dressing room. He had said: “When it comes to Rishabh (Pant), I’m not very aware to be honest. I just found out in the dressing room that he was being released, I don’t know what the reasons are, maybe the medical team will be in a better position to answer that question,”
There were some reports floating around, stating that Pant caught the COVID-19 virus and got expelled for his indiscipline, however, clearing the air, leading news portal Cricbuzz reported that BCCI was lying about the medical explanation and that Pant requested to go on leave.
Yes, Rishabh Pant, who was in New Zealand for India’s tour, traveled directly to Dhaka, where he communicated with head coach Rahul and Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, asking them for a leave, reported Cricbuzz. He even spent a day sweating it out in the nets, but owing to all the criticism he has been facing, he requested for a break and will return for the Test series on December 14.
