Rishabh Pant says setbacks are part of the game after losing India ODI spot to KL Rahul

Pant accepts setback but vows to fight for 50-over return

Rishabh Pant’s Test legacy continues to grow, but his place in India’s white-ball plans remains uncertain. More than two years have passed since he last played an ODI for India, and he was once again left out when the squad for the West Indies ODI series was announced.

In 31 ODI appearances Pant has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50, with his best being an unbeaten 125 against England in 2022. It remains his only hundred in the format alongside five fifties.

Being named captain of the Rest of India side for the Irani Cup offered little consolation to a player still hoping to return to India’s 50-over set-up. Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Pant said being dropped hurts, but setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey.

“Definitely, you feel bad when something like this happens. But an athlete’s mindset allows you to feel that when there’s a setback, there is always a comeback. These are things that, as an athlete, you have to deal with in your day-to-day life. People say this happened to me, that happened to me, but for an athlete, this is part and parcel of the game. But at the same time, you know how hard you’re working, and you’re clear in your path to maintain at this level,” Pant said.

“To make it happen every day, there is a voice in your head that is very constant in a very disciplined manner. The only thing is it’s easier to pass opinions all the time, but at the same time, people have to wait for things to happen.”

Competition in the wicketkeeper-batter role

Pant’s absence from the 2023 World Cup followed the accident that kept him out of professional cricket for a year. In his absence KL Rahul established himself as India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs.

The competition for the slot has only intensified. Ishan Kishan, despite holding the record for the fastest ODI double century, has not established himself as an integral part of India’s 50-over side, while Dhruv Jurel is also part of the squad for the West Indies ODIs.

Pant’s T20I prospects have also become less certain. Sanju Samson is India’s primary wicketkeeper in the format and was named Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup, while Ishan Kishan has also taken up wicketkeeping when Samson has not been in the playing XI.

Form in the IPL

Pant has not made a particularly strong case with the bat in his last two IPL seasons. In IPL 2025 he scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.17, with his campaign including a century in the final league game. In the following season he made 312 runs at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.

Despite the challenges, Pant remains determined to force his way back.

“There is no doubt that I have to make it happen, because for me, I feel like I haven’t had the best of opportunities to give my best, but at the same time, international cricket is changing. Sometimes you have to wait for the chance and make things happen,” Pant added.