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Opinion is divided when it comes to Rishabh Pant. Some critics argue that he lacks the polish and maturity needed for international cricket, while others believe he possesses the raw talent and confidence to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the game's elite.
Pant was a strong candidate for the initial World Cup squad, but the selection committee ultimately preferred the veteran presence of Dinesh Karthik. Although Pant started as a reserve, fate stepped in when Shikhar Dhawan suffered an injury. When the call finally came to join the squad mid-tournament, it was Pant—not Karthik—who was handed the opportunity to step onto the field.India’s World Cup squad this year but the Indian selectors had opted to go with the experienced Dinesh Karthik ahead of him. Pant was named as a standby though. And when he was called up midway into the World Cup as a replacement for an injured Shikhar Dhawan, it was him who got the opportunity to play in the tournament ahead of Karthik.
Dhawan's exit forced a tactical reshuffle, pushing KL Rahul up to the top of the order. This left a gap in the middle; relying solely on the likes of Dhoni and Jadhav would have been risky, as they often take time to find their rhythm. While they are reliable anchors during a collapse, their slower pace could have stifled the team's momentum if the openers had already provided a strong start. This is precisely why Pant was brought in and thrust straight into the high-stakes game against England. His mission was clear: keep the scoreboard ticking and maintain the aggression. With the middle order lacking a natural power-hitter, Pant's ability to clear the boundary was exactly what India needed.
India may have lost that clash with England, but Pant's contribution—32 runs off 29 balls—was significant, especially since the pitch was becoming increasingly sluggish. For a long time, doubters claimed he lacked the technical skill to handle difficult, slow surfaces. While 32 runs might not look like a massive score on paper, it was a vital contribution when you consider how much more seasoned players like MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav struggled to rotate the strike on that same surface.
Across his first two appearances in the tournament, including the England game, Pant has performed admirably. In the subsequent match against Bangladesh, he delivered another solid performance, scoring 48 runs from 41 balls. After the top three batsmen established a commanding total of 195, Pant stepped in and kept the pressure on the opposition, maintaining a high scoring rate even as the pitch slowed down once again.
Critics are quick to point out that the 21-year-old has thrown away promising starts in both games, but that ignores the specific role he was asked to play. The nature of his dismissals—both coming while attempting big hits—shows a player who prioritizes the team's needs over personal glory. Against Bangladesh, he could have easily played it safe and nudged a few singles to reach a half-century. Instead, he chose to keep attacking to maximize the run rate. He may have lost his wicket, but his aggressive mindset is a huge asset.
With India now through to the semi-finals, Pant is poised to be a key factor in their pursuit of the trophy. If the knockout stages provide fresh, fast pitches, he could become a nightmare for any bowling attack to contain.
Written by: Prasenjit Dey