AB de Villiers questions Rishabh Pant's Test selection for Sri Lanka
AB de Villiers expressed surprise at Rishabh Pant's selection for India's Sri Lanka Test series, citing concerns over confidence and fitness.
AB de Villiers sounded surprised when Rishabh Pant's name appeared in India's squad for the two Tests in Sri Lanka. The former South Africa captain pointed to Pant's patchy confidence and fitness, and he said he'd be watching closely once the series starts.
The BCCI named a 15-man squad for Galle and Colombo, August 15-19 and 23-27. Pant hasn't played much red-ball cricket lately, so the call drew immediate attention.
De Villiers noted that keepers and batters feel confidence dips more than most players, and any dip shows up quickly behind the stumps.
CricHubb Take
The timing of de Villiers' comments puts extra heat on Pant just as India look to settle their wicket-keeping spot before the next home season, where the same doubts will surface again if results slip.