Has the India cricket team made a mistake by leaving Rishabh Pant out of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026? Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith certainly thinks so. The cricketer-turned-commentator can’t understand why Pant hasn’t been picked for the ICC event over Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.
Pant better than Samson
In Smith’s opinion, Pant’s a bigger match-winner than Samson and Kishan. He can single-handedly win matches, something only a handful of players can. Right now, Pant’s recovering from a side strain, but he hasn’t been in the T20I scheme of things for the last 18 months. Still, Smith doesn’t get why Pant wasn’t picked.
“I’d pick Rishabh Pant in my team any day of the week. I’m surprised that Pant is not here. He is a wonderfully gifted player. He can win a match. That’s what you’ve got to have with T20 players. They’ve got to be match-winners,” Smith told PTI.
Why was Shubman Gill left out?
Asked why Shubman Gill was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad, Smith reasoned that teams value multi-dimensional players more now. Shivam Dube isn’t a perfect example of that. Kishan and Samson can both wicket-keep, which places them ahead of Gill.
“These sides are all about balance. You haven’t got room for too many players who only have one discipline. It’s all about finding the right mix,” he said.
India to defend their title
For Smith, India are the outright favourites to win the T20 World Cup. Apart from being the reigning champions, India have been in splendid form for the last couple of years. Also, playing at home gives the Men in Blue an advantage over other teams.
“India has got a good chance to defend because they’re playing at home and know the conditions very well. But it’s a very even competition. About five teams could win it,” Smith added.
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