Rishabh Pant, a key member of India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup squad, has found himself on the outside looking in ahead of the upcoming edition of the tournament. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter has not been selected for India’s title defence, marking a significant shift in the team’s T20I pecking order. With the management opting for Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma and even Dhruv Jurel, Pant’s absence has sparked plenty of debate within the cricketing fraternity.

Pant last featured in a T20I back in July 2024 and has since slipped down the ladder in the shortest format. For the tournament beginning February 7, the selectors have backed Samson and Kishan as the primary wicketkeeper-batters, favouring recent form, flexibility and balance over Pant’s proven match-winning pedigree.

However, former New Zealand wicketkeeper and respected broadcaster Ian Smith has openly questioned the decision to overlook the 28-year-old. Speaking to PTI, Smith made it clear that Pant would walk into his side without hesitation.

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“I’d pick Rishabh Pant in my team any day of the week. I’m surprised he’s not here. He’s a wonderfully gifted player who can win you a match on his own, and that’s exactly what you want in T20 cricket,” Ian Smith said, underlining Pant’s ability to change games in a matter of overs.

That said, Smith did agree with some of the selection calls made by the Indian think tank. He felt that persisting with Samson at the top of the order and leaving out Shubman Gill was a decision rooted in team balance rather than individual reputation.

“T20 sides are all about balance. You don’t have space for players who only offer one skill. You need cricketers who contribute in multiple ways,” he explained.

Smith also highlighted how the role of wicketkeepers has evolved in modern T20 cricket. Once seen as lower-order batters, keepers are now expected to bat in the top four, with their batting often being their primary value to the team.

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“In today’s game, your wicketkeeper has to be a genuine batter. Players like Sanju Samson or Tim Seifert bring that balance. When someone can contribute equally with the bat and behind the stumps, they become gold dust for any side,” Ian Smith concluded.

Pant’s omission may be tactical, but the debate around his absence only reinforces his stature as one of India’s most feared match-winners.