With the Asia Cup 2025 drawing near, excitement and debate over India’s squad selection are at their peak. This year’s tournament, to be held in the T20 format, carries extra weight as it will act as a testing ground ahead of the T20 World Cup next year. However, as the discussions heat up, reports suggest that some big names are set to miss out, including one of the most high-profile cricketers in the country, Rishabh Pant.
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Pant’s omission comes as a shock to many fans, especially considering his stature in world cricket and his record-breaking price tag in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bought him for a whopping INR 27 crore in last year’s mega auction. He was widely expected to become a cornerstone of India’s limited-overs plans.
The numbers paint a difficult picture for Pant. In his last 5 T20I appearances, all played in 2024, he managed just 70 runs at an average of 17.50. His strike rate during this period, 127.26, was well below the explosive standard expected from him. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in Tests and ODIs, his T20 form, particularly at the international level, has been inconsistent.
Selectors Favour Consistent Core Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Given the fierce competition for the wicket-keeper batter slot in India’s Asia Cup squad, these statistics have weighed heavily against him. Sanju Samson is reportedly locked in as the first-choice wicket-keeper for the tournament, with Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma in contention for the backup role. Of the two, Jitesh is said to be ahead in the pecking order due to his recent aggressive batting displays.
According to a report in the Indian Express, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his panel are leaning toward retaining the core group that recently dismantled England in a five-match T20I series earlier this year. That squad, which included Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Abhishek Sharma, clinched the series 4-1.
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The consistency and cohesion of this lineup seem to have impressed both the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense approach, reportedly wants minimal changes ahead of the Asia Cup. He aims to field a settled side for the continental tournament, which will serve as a strategic rehearsal for the T20 World Cup.
Pant and Other Stars Face Tough Road to India Team Selection
That means players like Pant, who have not been part of recent winning combinations, face an uphill battle to reclaim their spots. Pant is not alone in facing disappointment. Yashasvi Jaiswal, another talented young batter, is also expected to miss out. While Jaiswal has shown promise in bursts, competition for top-order spots has been fierce, with players like Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav delivering consistent results.
KL Rahul, an expert senior in the team, is also expected to miss out. Rahul has not played a T20I for India since November 2022, and the selectors appear to have moved on, preferring more aggressive batters who fit the current T20 template. While Pant’s stats in the shortest format have been underwhelming recently, his potential and match-winning ability are undeniable.
Known for his fearless stroke play, Pant can single-handedly turn games on their head. However, T20 cricket is an unforgiving arena, and selectors are under pressure to pick players in top form rather than relying on reputation. His omission from the Asia Cup squad will be especially painful considering his IPL heroics in previous seasons.
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Pant’s Asia Cup Miss Could Impact His National Team Future
Fans still remember his blistering knocks and audacious shot-making in high-pressure matches. But franchise cricket and international cricket can be very different environments, and the selectors appear to be prioritising recent international form over domestic or league performances. Missing out on the Asia Cup could have significant implications for Pant’s immediate future with the national team.
With the T20 World Cup looming in 2026, he will have limited opportunities to stake his claim. The selectors’ current preference for Samson, backed up by younger, aggressive wicket-keeper batters, suggests Pant will need to put together a strong run of performances in domestic T20 tournaments and the next IPL to get back in contention.
It’s also worth noting that Pant has only recently returned to full fitness after previous injury setbacks. While he has shown glimpses of his best in other formats, the rigours of T20 cricket, where quick scoring and sharp running between wickets are essential, may require a little more time for him to regain peak form.
The Asia Cup will not only test India against top Asian rivals like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, but it will also give the team management a chance to experiment with combinations before the T20 World Cup. That said, Gambhir’s preference for a settled squad suggests that experimentation will be limited to fine-tuning roles rather than wholesale changes.
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Pant’s Snub Sparks Debate Among Fans and Experts
Players like Abhishek Sharma could be given extended runs at the top of the order, while Suryakumar Yadav will remain a linchpin in the middle overs. Hardik Pandya’s role as an all-rounder and potential finisher will be crucial, and the balance of the squad will likely hinge on his fitness. The wicket-keeper position, now seemingly in Samson’s hands, will be another vital link in the chain.
The news of Pant’s likely snub has sparked a mix of disappointment and debate among fans. Many feel that his past contributions, especially in high-pressure matches, should have earned him a spot. Others agree with the selectors’ decision, arguing that form must outweigh reputation in a tournament as important as the Asia Cup.
Social media has been flooded with discussions, with hashtags related to Pant trending soon after the news broke. Former players and commentators have weighed in, some urging patience and reminding fans that cricket careers have ups and downs, while others have called for Pant to be given another shot in the format.
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