'Pant is a fighter': Ex-selector backs wicketkeer-batter amid poor IPL 2026 run
Kiran More backs Rishabh Pant to overcome a tough phase, highlighting his fighter's spirit and past resilience. More also praises young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, calling him a special player destined for future success. Additionally, More discussed the launch of the Beyond Reach Premier League for tennis-ball cricketers, noting promising talent discovered during trials.
NEW DELHI: At a time when Rishabh Pant finds himself battling one of the toughest phases of his career, former India wicketkeeper and chief selector Kiran More has thrown his weight firmly behind the struggling star, insisting that Pant has the courage, character and resilience to script yet another comeback. Pant’s difficult IPL 2026 campaign has only added to the scrutiny around him. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled for runs, while his team, Lucknow Super Giants, have endured a forgettable season.
The struggles have also spilled over to the international arena, where Pant was replaced by KL Rahul as India’s Test vice-captain and lost his place as the second-choice ODI wicketkeeper to Ishan Kishan for the upcoming series against the Afghanistan. Pant has managed only 286 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2026, while under his captaincy, Lucknow Super Giants are languishing at the bottom of the points table. He also came under criticism for using the F-word live on television following LSG’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
"No, it’s nothing like that, I am not disappointed at all. Pant is in the team, and I am very happy. He is a fighter, a player with immense courage, has a big heart, and he has performed exceptionally well (by) winning (Test) matches single-handedly.
I have worked quite closely with him, and I know him very well. “Every cricketer goes through a phase like this; you pass through such times. So I think there will definitely be a great comeback, and a strong comeback.