India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could reportedly be relieved of his role as Test vice-captain as selectors assess his recent performances and leadership impact ahead of the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan.
According to reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to discuss Pant’s leadership future during its meeting in Guwahati on May 19. The selectors reportedly believe that the added responsibility may be affecting Pant’s decision-making and batting performances in red-ball cricket.
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A source quoted by PTI claimed that India “cannot afford to lose” a match-winner like Pant, whose aggressive batting has often changed the course of Test matches. However, there is reportedly a growing feeling among decision-makers that leadership responsibilities are impacting his natural style of play.
Pant was appointed vice-captain after Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain following IPL 2025. While Pant managed 629 runs in seven Tests during 2025 at an average of 48.38, concerns remain over inconsistency outside two centuries against England.
The left-handed batter has remained India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Tests since returning from his near-fatal accident. Across 49 Tests, Pant has scored 3476 runs at an average of 42.91, including eight centuries and 18 fifties.
However, his recent form dipped after recovering from a foot injury. During the South Africa series in November 2025, Pant registered scores of 27, 2, 7 and 13 in four innings.
Reports suggest selectors may now prefer allowing Pant to focus solely on batting without the pressure of leadership. In such a scenario, KL Rahul could emerge as a leadership option and potentially take over wicketkeeping duties if required
