In a surprising turn of events, Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, is reportedly set to miss out on India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, which will be played in the T20 format. The wicket-keeper batter, acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering INR 27 crore in last year’s IPL mega auction, has struggled to replicate his domestic success on the international stage. According to a report by the Indian Express, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is prioritizing form and consistency, leaving Pant out of the continental tournament scheduled for next year.
Pant’s recent T20 International (T20I) performances have been underwhelming. In his last five T20I matches, all played in 2024, the dynamic batter managed only 70 runs at a modest average of 17.50 and a strike rate of 127.26. These numbers fall short of expectations for a player of his caliber, especially in a format where his aggressive batting style is expected to shine. Despite his heroics in Test cricket and his reputation as a game-changer in the IPL, Pant’s lackluster T20I form has put him behind in the race for a spot in the Asia Cup squad.
The selection committee is reportedly favoring Sanju Samson as the primary wicket-keeper batter for the tournament. Samson, who has shown consistency and flair in recent T20 outings, is set to lead the wicket-keeping duties. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel are competing for the backup role, with Sharma currently holding the edge due to his explosive batting in domestic T20 leagues. This shift in preference highlights India’s focus on building a squad tailored for the high-octane demands of T20 cricket, especially with the T20 World Cup looming in 2026.
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Pant isn’t the only high-profile name facing exclusion. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his fearless approach, and KL Rahul, who last played a T20I for India in November 2022, are also likely to miss out. Additionally, B Sai Sudharsan, despite his promising performances in domestic cricket, is not in contention for the Asia Cup squad. The selectors are banking on the core group that delivered a commanding 4-1 series victory against England earlier this year. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, who played pivotal roles in that series, are expected to form the backbone of the team.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, known for his strategic acumen, is reportedly keen on maintaining continuity in the squad. The Asia Cup serves as a crucial stepping stone for India to fine-tune their lineup for the T20 World Cup. Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach to selection emphasizes current form and team balance over reputation, which has put even a star like Pant under scrutiny. The coach’s vision is to build a versatile and aggressive unit capable of dominating in the shortest format.
Pant’s omission, while shocking, reflects the selectors’ focus on players who can deliver immediate impact in T20 cricket. His ability to turn games single-handedly is undeniable, but his recent international struggles have raised questions about his suitability for the format at this stage. However, at just 27 years old, Pant has time to rediscover his T20 mojo, especially in the IPL, where he will look to make a strong case for his international comeback.
The Asia Cup 2025, set to be hosted in India, will be a key opportunity for the Men in Blue to assert their dominance in the T20 format. With a blend of youth and experience, the squad is shaping up to be a formidable one, even without some of its biggest names. As the selection debates continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how India’s chosen XI fares in the high-stakes tournament.
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