AB de Villiers Questions Rishabh Pant's Test Spot After IPL Dip
South African legend surprised by Pant's selection for Sri Lanka Tests, but numbers show his Test form remains strong.
AB de Villiers has expressed surprise over Rishabh Pant's inclusion in India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The former South African captain cited Pant's poor performance in IPL 2026, where he scored 312 runs at an average of 28.36 and led Lucknow Super Giants to a 10th-place finish. Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers said Pant looked "low on confidence and energy" during the IPL and questioned whether he should be in the Test side.
However, the criticism overlooks Pant's excellent recent Test record. Despite a disappointing IPL 2025 where he scored just 269 runs, Pant went on to amass 629 runs in 13 Test innings at an average of 48.38. His red-ball form has consistently been superior to his white-ball performances, making him a key player in India's Test lineup. The BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the Sri Lanka Tests starting August 15, with Pant returning to the set-up after a long absence.
While de Villiers acknowledged being a fan and hoped Pant would regain his intensity, the numbers suggest his place in the Test team is well-deserved. Pant's ability to perform under pressure in the longest format has been a vital asset for India, and his IPL struggles are unlikely to affect his contributions in whites.