Has An India Cap’s Importance Diminished Due To IPL? Rishabh Pant Answers

Last Updated:March 11, 2025, 15:14 IST

Rishabh Pant, who was part of India’s triumphant Champions Trophy team but didn’t get a match, made his international debut eight years back. 

Rishabh Pant speaks at his IPL captaincy announcement (Picture credit: PTI)

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has said that cricketers these days are more focused on playing the Indian Premier League, but one should always aim for an India cap and not be satisfied by just featuring in the cash-rich league.

Pant, who was part of India’s triumphant Champions Trophy team but didn’t get a match, made his international debut eight years back.

Pant made his IPL debut for the Delhi Daredevils against the Gujarat Lions in April 2016 and in February 2017, got his maiden India cap.

“Since childhood, I had only one dream, to play for India. I never even thought about playing in the IPL. I think today, people are more focused on the IPL. Of course, it’s a great platform, but I believe that if your goal is to play for your country, everything else, including the IPL, will eventually fall into place,” Pant said while speaking to JioHotstar. 

“If you have that bigger mindset, success will follow. I always believed that I would play for India one day and God has been kind. At 18, I got the opportunity to make my debut and I am grateful for that,” Pant added.

The India wicketkeeper-batter is known for flamboyant style of play and some of his trademark shots include a one-handed six with the bat often slipping out of his hands.

“I think it mostly happens because I hold my bottom hand very lightly. I mainly try to use my bottom hand for support because, at times, it starts dominating. So, I focus on gripping my top hand tightly,” Pant said.

“But when I overreach, especially when the ball is too wide or too short, it’s not always in the ideal hitting zone. Sometimes, the shot I attempt may only have a 30-40% success rate, but depending on the match situation, I’m willing to take that risk,” Pant added.

The India wicketkeeper was last seen in action when Delhi played Saurashtra in a Ranji Trophy game in January. Pant could score just 1 and 17 in two innings as his domestic return didn’t bode well for him.

Pant was named in India’s Champions Trophy squad but in presence of KL Rahul, didn’t play any matches.