Why did Rishabh Pant not get the ODI captaincy?

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Why did Rishabh Pant not get the ODI captaincy?: Team India has been announced for the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, starting November 30. In the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, the selectors decided to hand the captaincy to wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul.

Why didn’t Pant get the opportunity despite captaining in Tests?

EXPLAINED: Why Rishabh Pant Is Not Playing First ODI Against Sri Lanka | Cricket - Times Now

Rishabh Pant is currently captaining India in the second Test against South Africa. Many expected him to be given the ODI captaincy as well, but the selectors took a different decision.

BCCI source reveals the real reason

Hours after the team announcement, a BCCI source told PTI that Pant was not given the captaincy because he hasn’t been active in the ODI format in the past year. The selectors believe that the captaincy should be given to a player who regularly plays in the same format.

Main Reason

  • Rishabh Pant has played only one ODI match in the last one year.
  • The selectors want the captaincy to be given to a player who has been playing consistently across formats.
  • This captaincy decision is believed to be limited to this South Africa series only.

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Why did KL Rahul become captain?
Why KL Rahul was picked as India captain for IND vs SA ODIs ahead of Rishabh Pant

KL Rahul has been a regular member of the ODI team for some time and has led several times. His fitness and consistency across formats make him suitable for this role.

This decision is not permanent

A BCCI source clarified that this decision is not a long-term plan and Pant will remain in the race for captaincy again in the future.

Shubman Gill’s Return

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The selectors hope that Shubman Gill’s neck injury will heal soon and he will return for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026.

Conclusion

  • The main reason for Pant not being given the captaincy is his recent ODI record and his low activity in the format.
  • This decision is based solely on the current situation and is not a permanent judgment on his leadership skills.
  • Circumstances may change in the future, and Pant may have opportunities again.

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