Rishabh Pant is set to return to Test cricket as one of India's main players when the team faces Afghanistan in a one-off Test in New Chandigarh. The match comes after a difficult IPL 2026 season for the wicketkeeper-batter, who struggled for consistency with both bat and captaincy responsibilities.
Two days before the Test, Pant appeared relaxed during training despite temperatures nearing 40°C. He took part in catching drills, interacted with teammates, and spent time working on his batting. During a lengthy net session, he focused heavily on defensive shots against local spinners, showing a measured approach ahead of the red-ball contest.
Pant's return to Test cricket comes at a time when questions remain over his place in India's white-ball plans. He has not played a T20 International since India's tour of Sri Lanka in 2024 and was recently overlooked for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with Ishan Kishan selected instead.
However, Pant's position in the Test side remains secure. Since making his Test debut in 2018, no Indian batter has scored more Test runs than him. He has also registered 26 scores of fifty or more, matching Ravindra Jadeja during that period.
The 2026 IPL season proved challenging for Pant. Representing and captaining Lucknow Super Giants, he scored 312 runs at a strike rate of 138.05. He batted in multiple positions throughout the tournament, opening in the first game before moving through several middle-order roles as the season progressed.
Lucknow Super Giants also struggled as a team. After winning two of their first three matches, they managed only two more victories from their remaining games and finished at the bottom of the points table. Pant faced increasing pressure as captain during the disappointing campaign.
Former Australia coach and LSG head coach Justin Langer publicly backed Pant during the season. While defending his performances, Langer pointed to Pant's achievements in Test cricket and highlighted the pressures that come with leading an IPL franchise.
The difficult season also affected Pant's leadership standing with the national team. Although he served as India's vice-captain in their most recent Test against South Africa and even led the side in Shubman Gill's absence, selectors have since removed him from the vice-captaincy role.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear, however, that Pant remains central to India's Test plans.
"We want him to become the best Test player that he has always been," Agarkar said. He added that while India has chosen different wicketkeeping options in one-day cricket, Pant remains one of the team's most important players in the Test format.
India's coaching staff also believes Pant can continue to develop as a senior player. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that discussions have taken place about balancing Pant's natural attacking style with the demands of different match situations.
According to ten Doeschate, the goal is not to remove Pant's aggressive instincts but to help him adapt his approach when conditions require greater patience and control.
Despite his recent struggles in limited-overs cricket, Pant received major recognition for his Test performances. His 479 runs at an average of 68.43 during India's tour of England last year earned him a place among Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year.
As India prepare for the Afghanistan Test, Pant has another opportunity to underline his value in the format where he has enjoyed his greatest success. With growing experience and renewed focus, he remains one of India's most important red-ball players heading into the new Test season.