NEW DELHI: As Rishabh Pant navigates one of the most challenging periods of his career, former India wicketkeeper and chief selector Kiran More has expressed unwavering support for the struggling star. More emphasized that Pant possesses the courage, character, and resilience to stage yet another remarkable comeback.
Pant's Recent Struggles
Pant’s difficult IPL 2026 campaign has intensified the scrutiny surrounding him. The wicketkeeper-batter has failed to deliver consistent performances, and his team, Lucknow Super Giants, have endured a forgettable season. His struggles have extended to the international arena, where KL Rahul replaced him as India’s Test vice-captain, and Ishan Kishan has taken over as the second-choice ODI wicketkeeper for the upcoming series against Afghanistan.
In IPL 2026, Pant has managed only 286 runs in 13 matches. Under his captaincy, Lucknow Super Giants languish at the bottom of the points table. He also faced criticism for using inappropriate language live on television after LSG’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
More's Unwavering Support
Speaking to IANS on Thursday, More dismissed any disappointment regarding Pant’s form. “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,” More said.
“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. When his life was saved, and he returned to the team, he performed so well, so this current phase is nothing compared to that,” More added.
Praise for Vaibhav Suryavanshi
More also lavished praise on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has amassed 579 runs in 13 matches for Rajasthan Royals and currently tops the run-scoring charts with an astonishing strike rate of 236.32. “No, look, he is a special player, and God has created and sent him, so I think it's a great thing that he sent him to India. You will keep watching him, as he will score a lot of runs in the future,” More said.
“Even if he doesn't, he is still a special player for me. But, just let him play cricket freely and don't put too much pressure on him because he's performing so well at such an early age. I think it's all part of that 'wow factor,' and I want him to play Test matches, one-day matches, and T20s whenever he makes his debut for India,” More added.
Beyond Reach Premier League
More also spoke about the launch of the Beyond Reach Premier League, a tournament aimed at tennis-ball cricketers. Trials for the league were recently conducted under his supervision in Ghaziabad. “This is a special league, and we want to do something different. This was our first trial, and a lot of boys showed up for this, and we got to see some very interesting talent,” More said.
