What's Rishabh Pant In T20Is? Deep Dasgupta Raises Big Question After World Cup Snub

Rishabh Pant's absence from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad has once again put the spotlight on the wicketkeeper-batter's uncertain standing in white-ball cricket. Matters appear set to get tougher for

Pant, with media reports suggesting that he is also unlikely to be picked for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

After returning from a long injury layoff, Pant has struggled to cement his place across formats. While he remains a key figure in Tests, the competition in limited-overs cricket has intensified significantly.

KL Rahul has firmly established himself as India's preferred wicketkeeper in ODIs, while younger options such as Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan have strengthened their cases with consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes Pant's biggest challenge in T20 cricket is clarity of role. Speaking to India Today, Dasgupta questioned whether Pant himself is certain about where he fits in the shortest format.

"In T20 cricket, is he a top-three batter? Or is he a middle-order batter or is he a finisher? What's he? He needs to answer these questions," Dasgupta said.

Despite raising those concerns, Dasgupta made it clear that he sees Pant as a top-order option in T20Is.

"As far as I am concerned, he is a top-three batter in T20I cricket. In ODIs, he is a good No.4 or No.5," he added.

Pant has begun the process of rebuilding his case through domestic cricket and recently scored a fighting 70-plus knock for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Dasgupta stressed that sustained run-scoring is the only way forward for the left-hander.

"I think he just needs to bat, and bat. He got a excellent 70-odd for Delhi. He just needs to keep scoring runs, playing white-ball cricket wherever he gets the opportunity - domestic or otherwise - and learn his trade, learn what suits him," Dasgupta said.

According to a report by India Today, Pant is expected to miss out on selection for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with the team management looking at alternative options. His omission could open the door for Ishan Kishan, who has impressed with strong domestic performances for Jharkhand.

With things getting serious, Pant will once again have to put up a brilliant show to earn the faith of the selectors.