AB De Villiers Reveals Surprise Over India Star's Inclusion In Sri Lanka Test Squad
De Villiers questions selection after confidence concerns.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has expressed surprise over the selection of Rishabh Pant in India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, saying the wicketkeeper-batter’s fitness and desire to perform will be closely watched. His comments came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the Test assignment scheduled in August. The squad announcement included several key names, including Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant. However, Bumrah’s availability remains subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI.
While discussing the team selection, de Villiers said Pant’s inclusion caught him off guard, particularly because of concerns surrounding his recent form and confidence levels. De Villiers, who has closely followed Pant’s career and has often praised his aggressive batting style, said the Indian star appeared to be lacking confidence during recent outings. He suggested that the upcoming Test series could be an important opportunity for Pant to regain his rhythm and prove his readiness for the longest format. The former South African batter highlighted that Pant’s ability has never been in doubt, but his return to peak performance will depend on his physical condition and mental approach.
According to de Villiers, the key factors for Pant will be his fitness, hunger to succeed and confidence at the crease. Pant has been one of India’s most influential Test players in recent years, particularly known for his match-winning performances overseas. His attacking batting, ability to counter pressure situations and wicketkeeping skills have made him a crucial member of India’s Test setup. However, maintaining consistency after injury and managing workload have remained important challenges. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter made a strong comeback after recovering from a serious car accident that kept him away from competitive cricket for an extended period.
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Since his return, Pant has continued to be part of India’s plans across formats, although experts and former players have closely monitored his form and fitness. The upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka will provide Pant with another opportunity to establish himself in the red-ball format. With India aiming for strong performances in overseas conditions, the team management will be hoping that senior players deliver stability while younger members continue to develop.
The squad also includes experienced campaigners such as Bumrah and Jadeja, whose performances will be vital for India’s chances. Bumrah’s fitness remains a major talking point, given his importance as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers. Jadeja, meanwhile, continues to play a key role with both bat and ball in Test cricket. De Villiers’ comments have added another layer of discussion around Pant’s selection, but the final judgement will come through his performances on the field. The Sri Lanka series could become a significant chapter in Pant’s comeback journey as he looks to regain his confidence and return to his best form in Test cricket.
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