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

The Resilience of a Champion: Rishabh Pant‘s Path Ahead

Rishabh Pant has found himself in the midst of a challenging period in his career. The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter, often hailed as a match-winner, has struggled to find his rhythm during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Scoring just 286 runs across 13 matches, his struggles have been mirrored by the performance of the Lucknow Super Giants, who, under his captaincy, have failed to reach the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. This dip in form has resulted in his exclusion from the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, with Ishan Kishan stepping in as the deputy to KL Rahul.

However, amidst the noise of 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 has the mental fortitude to reclaim his spot at the top of the game.

Kiran More: A Strong Vote of Confidence

Reflecting on Pant’s current situation, More dismissed the idea that the player’s career is in decline. Instead, he framed the current scenario as a common phase that every elite athlete must traverse. “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 in a recent interview. For More, the perspective remains clear: after surviving a life-threatening car accident and successfully returning to the field at the highest level, the current lean patch is merely a hurdle, not a finish line.

More’s support is rooted in his intimate knowledge of Pant’s character. Having seen him rise through the ranks, the former selector emphasizes that the grit which defined Pant’s miraculous return to international cricket is still very much present. He expects nothing less than a “strong comeback” from the star, urging fans and critics alike to maintain their faith in a player who has proven his worth on the world stage time and again.

The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

While discussing the landscape of Indian cricket, More also directed his attention toward the next generation. He identified young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a talent of rare pedigree. The young batter has turned heads with his staggering statistics, accumulating 579 runs in 13 matches this season at a blistering strike rate of 236.22.

More described Sooryavanshi as a special gift to Indian cricket. “God has created and sent him,” More remarked, highlighting the youngster’s aggressive intent and resilience against world-class opposition. More advocated for a measured approach to the young player’s development, warning against adding unnecessary pressure. He believes that the focus should be on allowing him to play freely, with an eye toward his eventual integration into all three formats of the game.

Expanding the Talent Pool: Beyond Reach Premier League

Beyond his insights on current stars, Kiran More is actively involved in grassroots development. He is currently overseeing the launch of the ‘Beyond Reach Premier League,’ a competition designed to harness talent from the tennis-ball cricket circuit. The initiative aims to provide a structured platform for players who often go unnoticed by traditional scouting networks.

History has shown that the tennis-ball circuit can be a breeding ground for professional success. Players like Prince Yadav have successfully transitioned from local tennis-ball tournaments to becoming forces in white-ball cricket, eventually earning their stripes on the national team. By fostering this environment, More hopes to identify the next wave of unconventional but highly effective cricketers who can bolster India’s future depth.

Ultimately, the narrative surrounding Indian cricket remains a blend of patience with established stars like Pant and excitement for the burgeoning talent of newcomers like Sooryavanshi. As the cricketing calendar moves forward, the spotlight will inevitably remain on these figures, each carving their own path through the high-pressure world of professional sports.