Kiran More Backs Rishabh Pant for Strong Comeback After Difficult Season
The Resilience of Rishabh Pant: A Perspective from Kiran More
Rishabh Pant finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his cricketing career. Following a difficult IPL 2026 season where he managed 286 runs across 13 matches and failed to lead the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the Indian star has faced significant professional hurdles. Most notably, he has been sidelined from the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with Ishan Kishan stepping in as the deputy to KL Rahul.
However, amidst the noise of criticism and calls for change, one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket has stepped forward to offer unwavering support. Former Indian wicketkeeper and national selector Kiran More has publicly backed Pant, insisting that the explosive left-hander possesses the mental fortitude to overcome his current lean patch.
A Fighter at Heart
More, who has worked closely with Pant, refutes the idea that the player’s recent struggles should be viewed with disappointment. Reflecting on Pant’s character, More emphasized the batter’s history of rising above adversity. “He is a fighter, a player with immense courage, and has a big heart. He has won Test matches single-handedly for India,” More noted in a recent interview. For More, the current dip in performance is a natural cycle that every professional athlete faces, especially given the monumental physical and mental recovery Pant has already navigated in recent years.
Referring to the near-fatal car crash that once threatened his career, More added, “When his life was saved, and he returned to the team, he performed so well. This current phase is nothing compared to what he has already overcome.”
The Rise of a New Talent: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
While discussing the state of Indian cricket, Kiran More also took the opportunity to shine a light on the next generation. The emergence of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has captured the attention of the cricketing world. With an aggressive style of play that has yielded 579 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 236.22 this season, Sooryavanshi is being hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent.
More praised the youngster’s unique ability to handle pressure, noting, “He is a special player. God has created and sent him to India. You will keep watching him, as he will score a lot of runs in the future.” More advised against burdening the teenager with excessive expectations, suggesting that the focus should remain on allowing him to play freely across all three formats.
The Evolution of Talent Scouting
Beyond the professional circuit, More is actively involved in identifying grassroots talent. Under his supervision, the Beyond Reach Premier League has been launched, specifically targeting tennis-ball cricketers. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between amateur talent and professional pathways—a route that has proven successful for players like Prince Yadav, who transitioned from tennis-ball cricket to the national team.
The success of these trials highlights the depth of talent waiting in the wings of Indian cricket. By creating structures that allow players to express themselves, figures like More hope to continue the pipeline of exceptional cricketers that India has become famous for producing.
Looking Ahead
As Pant navigates this transition period, the support from someone of More’s stature serves as a reminder of his immense value to Indian cricket. Whether or not he regains his place in the immediate future, his history suggests that writing him off would be a premature mistake. For now, the cricketing world will watch closely to see if the “fighter” can indeed orchestrate the comeback that many believe is inevitable.
While fans and pundits continue to debate his role in the current setup, the essence of the discussion remains clear: talent of Pant’s caliber requires patience, perspective, and the space to rediscover the spark that once made him one of the most feared hitters in global cricket.
