Rishabh Pant : As India gears up for a crucial Test series against England, one name continues to dominate discussions — Rishabh Pant. Once hailed as India’s ultimate game-changer in overseas Tests, Pant’s recent form has raised significant concerns for the selectors, the team management, and fans alike.

Since his heroic comeback in March 2024 after a grueling 15-month injury layoff, Pant’s journey has been a rollercoaster. From flashes of brilliance to alarming slumps, his trajectory has left many wondering — will Pant be ready in time to lead India’s fight in England?

Rishabh Pant : Why Rishabh Pant’s Form is a Major Worry for India Ahead of the England Test Series

Pant’s Comeback: A Story of Highs and Lows

When Rishabh Pant returned to competitive cricket, there were understandable doubts about his fitness, especially his ability to handle the rigors of wicketkeeping and long innings. However, his performance in IPL 2024 for Delhi Capitals put many of those fears to rest. Scoring 446 runs at a strike rate of 155.40, Pant looked every bit the destructive force India needed.

Buoyed by his IPL success, the BCCI reinstated him into the national fold. Although Pant was part of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad, his personal contributions with the bat were underwhelming.

When the format shifted to Tests — Pant’s favored territory — early signs were promising. He smashed a century on return against Bangladesh and scored three half-centuries thereafter. Expectations soared as India toured Australia, a place where Pant had previously carved out his legend.

But this time, the script flipped.

Test Struggles in Australia: The First Red Flag

Across nine innings in Australia, Pant managed just one fifty and 255 runs at an average of 28.33. Considering his past heroics at Gabba and The Oval, these numbers were concerning. It wasn’t just about the runs — Pant’s fearless brand of batting, the hallmark of his success, seemed missing.

As the 2024-25 season progressed, Pant played 10 Tests, the most in a single season for him, but could only muster an average of 37.61. By the standards he set for himself between 2020 and 2022, this was a noticeable dip.

Form Woes Across Formats

Pant’s struggles weren’t limited to Tests.

• In T20Is, he averaged 27.75 over 10 matches.
• In his sole ODI appearance, he scored just 6 runs.

Things worsened during the IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants. In 8 innings, he crossed double figures only thrice. His low point came when he preferred sending Ayush Badoni ahead of him in a crunch match — a move reflecting his shattered confidence.

Why Rishabh Pant’s Form is Crucial for India in England

Despite the recent dip, Pant remains critical to India’s Test ambitions, especially in England. Here’s why:

• Proven Record: Pant boasts 781 runs in 12 Tests against England, including three centuries.
• Success in England: Out of these, 556 runs came in England itself, including memorable hundreds at The Oval and another during India’s last tour.
• Crisis Man: Pant has bailed India out from tricky situations numerous times, especially when the top order has failed.
• Aggressive Edge: His fearless approach unsettles bowlers and allows partners like Pujara to bat more freely.

Given India’s recent setbacks — losing a home series after 12 years and surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy — the upcoming England tour carries massive significance. India needs Pant firing on all cylinders if they hope to regain lost ground.

Can Pant Bounce Back?

Knowing Rishabh Pant’s character, a comeback is never out of the question. His career has been built on resilience, audacity, and flair. But mental battles often take longer to win than physical ones. And right now, more than technique, it’s Pant’s confidence that needs rebuilding.

The BCCI and team management are fully aware that Pant is a match-winner on his day. But with the clock ticking towards the England series, the question remains: Can Rishabh Pant find his rhythm in time to once again become India’s X-factor?

Rishabh Pant’s Test Record vs England

In England:

• Matches: 9
• Runs: 556
• Average: 32.70
• Strike Rate: 66.34
• Centuries: 2

India’s chances in England are intricately tied to Rishabh Pant’s form. His batting prowess, combined with his game-changing ability, makes him indispensable in tough overseas conditions. If Pant can rediscover his fearless touch, it could well be the turning point India needs to script a memorable Test series victory.

For now, all eyes will be on the left-hander — hoping, waiting, and believing that Rishabh Pant’s second renaissance is just around the corner.

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