AB de Villiers shares his thoughts on India star’s unexpected selection for Sri Lanka Tests

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled a 15-member squad for India‘s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for August. Captained by Shubman Gill with KL Rahul serving as vice-captain, the side features a balance of experienced mainstays and intriguing domestic talent. However, as analysts evaluate the squad selection, former South African cricketing legend AB de Villiers has voiced unexpected reservations regarding one prominent name on the sheet.

In a detailed breakdown on his official YouTube channel, De Villiers admitted his surprise over the inclusion of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for the red-ball tour. Reflecting on Pant’s recent outings during the Indian Premier League, the former Proteas skipper observed that the explosive batsman seemed somewhat off his usual rhythm and high-energy demeanour.

“(Rishabh) Pant is there in the squad, which is a bit of a surprise. We’ll see what his fitness looks like and his appetite to perform. He looked a little low on confidence and energy in the IPL. But representing his country will likely bring out the best in him. I want to see him play with intensity,” De Villiers stated during his analysis.

Despite questioning his recent form, De Villiers expressed confidence that donning the national whites could reignite Pant’s signature aggressive playstyle. The two-Test series, set to be played in Galle and Colombo, carries significant weight in the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Sitting fifth in the table just above sixth-placed Sri Lanka, India desperately needs positive results in island conditions to stay competitive in the race for the 2027 final.

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While Pant’s selection sparked debate, De Villiers warmly welcomed the return of core senior players Ravindra Jadeja and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, the latter’s participation contingent on final medical clearance from the board. De Villiers emphasized that a fully fit Bumrah fundamentally changes opposition strategies, while Jadeja continues to provide indispensable stability with both bat and ball.

The former wicketkeeper-batter also spotlighted 33-year-old off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain, calling his inclusion a clever addition to India’s spin arsenal alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja. Drawing comparisons to Washington Sundar, De Villiers noted Jain’s ability to offer valuable control in subcontinent conditions.

“It looks like he’s (Saransh Jain) similar to Washington Sundar. He has played for quite a while. He will give some options to Shubman Gill in the middle overs when the ball gets older. I think he’s more of a bowling all-rounder. With Jadeja and Kuldeep there, his addition gives the team great variety, especially when there are left-handers,” he Villiers added.

Official India Test Squad

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