Kiran More Backs Rishabh Pant for Comeback After Lean IPL 2026 Season

The Resilience of a Champion: Kiran More on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant, once the undisputed talisman of Indian cricket, is currently traversing a difficult phase in his career. After a challenging IPL 2026 season where he managed just 286 runs across 13 matches and failed to guide the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the spotlight has been unkind. His exclusion from the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan and his removal from the red-ball vice-captaincy have sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts alike.

However, amidst the swirling criticism, former Indian wicketkeeper and selector Kiran More has emerged as a staunch defender of the Delhi-born star. More, who has worked closely with Pant throughout his development, remains unshaken in his belief that the southpaw’s best days are far from over.

A Fighter at Heart

Reflecting on the current situation, More dismissed the notion of being disappointed with Pant’s performance. Speaking to IANS, the veteran selector emphasized the character that defines Pant. ‘He is a fighter, a player with immense courage, has a big heart, and has performed exceptionally well, winning Test matches single-handedly,’ More stated. He pointedly noted that the recent struggles are merely a phase that every elite cricketer encounters during their journey.

Perhaps most poignantly, More referenced the harrowing car accident that nearly claimed Pant’s life. He argued that the perspective gained from that near-fatal event makes current professional setbacks seem insignificant by comparison. ‘When his life was saved, and he returned to the team, he performed so well, so this current phase is nothing compared to that,’ More added, signaling his absolute faith in Pant’s ability to navigate his way back to form.

The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

While discussing the landscape of Indian cricket, More also directed his attention toward the next generation. He expressed immense excitement regarding the rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a young prodigy who has taken the cricketing circuit by storm. With an incredible 579 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 236.22, Sooryavanshi has become the talk of the town.

More described him as a ‘special player’ who brings a unique ‘wow factor’ to the game. ‘God has created and sent him, so I think it’s a great thing that he sent him to India,’ More remarked. He advised the cricketing fraternity to allow the youngster to develop naturally without the crushing weight of undue expectations. More envisions Sooryavanshi representing India across all three formats, provided he is nurtured correctly.

The Evolution of Talent Scouting

Beyond the individual narratives of Pant and Sooryavanshi, Kiran More is actively involved in expanding the horizons of talent identification in India. Under his guidance, the Beyond Reach Premier League has been launched, specifically targeting the vast, untapped talent pool in tennis-ball cricket.

More believes that tennis-ball cricket serves as a vital nursery for future stars. He highlighted the journey of players like Prince Yadav, who transitioned from tennis-ball cricket to becoming a force in the professional white-ball circuit before earning a spot in the national team. By hosting trials and focusing on unconventional paths to success, More hopes to unearth the next generation of Indian cricketing icons.

Looking Ahead

As the Indian team prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the focus remains firmly on how the management balances the need for immediate results with the long-term development of its players. For Rishabh Pant, the road back to the top may be arduous, but with the backing of mentors like Kiran More and the inherent resilience that defined his miraculous recovery from his accident, the cricketing world waits with bated breath for his inevitable return to form. Whether it is through the established pathways or the grassroots initiatives championed by figures like More, the future of Indian cricket remains a fascinating, albeit complex, landscape.