The Indian team is set to tour Sri Lanka this month for a two-match Test series, and Rishabh Pant is a key member of the squad. Pant had been on a break since the series against Afghanistan but has now commenced his preparations—specifically alongside MS Dhoni. Although he scored 81 runs in the first innings of the solitary Test against Afghanistan, he had previously struggled to score runs in this format; he also failed to make a significant impact during the home series against South Africa.
MS Dhoni is known for bringing out the best in players. Pant is currently going through a challenging phase; he has lost his spot in the ODI and T20 teams and has also relinquished the role of Test vice-captain. If he fails to score runs consistently, his place in the Test team could also be in jeopardy. Recognizing the need for Dhoni's guidance, Pant has traveled to Ranchi to train with him. Former Indian spinner Shahbaz Nadeem posted a video of himself working out in the gym with Pant and Dhoni. Nadeem captioned the post: "Two of Indian cricket's finest finishers—Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni."
Rishabh Pant Performance in IPL 2026
Before the Sri Lanka series, 28-year-old Pant had a disappointing IPL 2026 season. Captaining the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant scored 312 runs in the tournament at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05. That season, his team, LSG, finished at the bottom of the points table.
Rishabh Pant was last seen playing for India in the lone Test match against Afghanistan held in Mullanpur in June. The Indian team has very little margin for error in the current World Test Championship cycle. He was traded to the Delhi Capitals, while Kuldeep Yadav moved to the Lucknow Super Giants.
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