IPL 2026: Michael Vaughan explains why LSG skipper Rishabh Pant will find it difficult to get back into India’s T20I side

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The debate around Rishabh Pant’s place in India’s T20I setup has intensified after former England captain Michael Vaughan shared his candid assessment. Vaughan believes that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper faces an uphill battle to reclaim his spot in the national side, especially with India boasting multiple in-form wicketkeeping options.

Vaughan pointed out that India’s current T20I squad is stacked with quality wicketkeeper-batters, making it increasingly difficult for Pant to walk back into the playing XI without delivering exceptional performances. Players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan , and Jitesh Sharma have all made strong cases with their consistent displays and aggressive batting styles.

According to Vaughan, this depth creates a highly competitive environment where only standout performers can secure a place. He emphasized that Pant can no longer rely solely on his reputation and past performances to regain his position.

“If he’s going to open, he can be a bit braver. He can be a bit more of a dasher. India have got a galaxy of wicketkeepers with Samson, Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma. So it’s not going to be easy for him to get back in the Indian T20I side. The biggest stage is now for him to have a humdinger of an IPL,” said Vaughan on Cricbuzz.

Pant’s IPL 2026 campaign began on a shaky note when he promoted himself to open the batting for LSG against Delhi Capitals. The move raised eyebrows, but the outcome did little to silence critics.

The left-hander struggled to find fluency during his short stay at the crease, managing just seven runs off nine deliveries before being run out at the non-striker’s end. His tentative approach stood in contrast to the fearless strokeplay that once defined his T20 batting.For a player looking to re-establish himself in the shortest format, such performances only add to the pressure.

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Vaughan stressed that if Pant intends to open the batting, he must embrace a more aggressive mindset. He believes the wicketkeeper-batter’s natural game is built around instinctive strokeplay and bold shot-making — qualities that need to be on full display, especially in the IPL.

He suggested that Pant should take inspiration from players who play with freedom and intent, rather than overthinking his role. According to Vaughan, the best version of Pant is one who plays without fear, taking the attack to the opposition from the outset. The former England skipper also hinted that adapting to a conservative approach could dilute Pant’s effectiveness, particularly in a format that rewards high-impact performances.

“If I was him, I would be watching Suryavanshi. Because when Rishabh plays, he reminds me of a free-spirited character that tries to whack the ball out of the ground. And that’s how he should play,” added Vaughan.

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