Former India spinner Amit Mishra has warned that Rishabh Pant needs to modify his game or risk being dropped from the Test team. Pant, who debuted internationally in 2017, has become a regular in India’s Test squad, though his appearances in ODIs and T20Is remain sporadic.
The wicketkeeper-batter has eight Test centuries — the most by an Indian and joint third overall. Despite his strong numbers, Mishra believes the 28-year-old must adapt as opposition teams now study his game closely and plan against him.
“I have very high expectations from Rishabh Pant. Now, you can’t really call him a youngster anymore — he has been in the team since 2018. After a certain point, it becomes very important to modify your game,” Mishra said on the Men XP podcast.
Mishra stressed that Pant must avoid repeating mistakes and adjust to conditions, particularly on tricky pitches:
“Opposition teams are observing you — where you attack fast bowling, which balls you avoid. If a particular shot doesn’t work on a pitch, don’t play it. You can’t insist, ‘This is my game.’ Eventually, you risk being dropped.” Pant struggled in his recent comeback, scoring only 49 runs across two Tests against South Africa. He also led the team in Shubman Gill’s absence, but India were whitewashed 0–2, marking their second home series defeat in two years.
Currently, India sits sixth in the World Test Championship standings, with four wins from nine matches and a points percentage of 48.15. The team will next face Sri Lanka in an away Test series in 2026.
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