(Cricket news) Rishabh Pant captained India for the first time in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. It was definitely the first of many for the 24-year-old Pant. India were 2-0 down in the series but managed to comeback and make it 2-2. The last match was called off due to rain and the trophy was shared. Pant received his fair share of criticism after the first two losses but then handled it well for the next two wins. He is somewhat short of runs but his batting ability will never be a concern. Two years ago no one would've believed that Rishabh Pant would go on to captain India. 

After an underwhelming IPL 2020 campaign, Pant was dropped from the ODI and T20I squad for the Australian tour. Things became worse when despite Pant having a good Test record in Australia, Wriddhiman Saha was selected as the wicket-keeper in the first Test. India ended up losing the Test match after getting bowled out for 36 in the 2nd innings. Rishabh Pant was called back for the 2nd Test and got good starts but nothing too impressive. In the 3rd Test match at Sydney, Pant played an incredible knock of 97 despite having an injured right arm. The knock helped India secure a gritty draw to keep the series level. In the series decider at the Gabba the keeper-batter scored an unbeaten 91 to lead India to a legendary series win.

Things changed from there as he was called back into the ODI and T20I squad. He was then named the captain of Delhi Capitals after Shreyas Iyer's injury.  Pant has been playing consistently over the past two years and has been groomed as a leader. His 1st series as Indian captain was far from perfect but he will have plenty of opportunities in the future. These next 6 months or so are going to be very crucial for Pant. His performances with the bat still need improvement especially in certain difficult situations. Pant is now preparing for the Test match in England where he is the undisputed first choice wicket keeper.

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