India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was once an all-format player for the national side, has now become a one-format player under Gautam Gambhir’s regime. Rishabh Pant is now struggling to hold his place, and the reason is not just form or competition.
Gautam Gambhir vs Rishabh Pant: Explosive Rift Behind Pant’s Shocking ODI Omission Revealed
A massive internal rift between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has exploded into the open, and it has directly cost the left-handed batter his place in the ODI team. Under Gambhir’s tenure, Pant has been struggling to maintain his place in the team.
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Competition has intensified with Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel, and Sanju Samson all pushing hard, but the internal issue between Gambhir and Pant has led to his ouster from the white-ball team. Once considered an automatic choice across formats, Pant has now become the one-format player.
What Sparked the Gambhir-Pant Cold War?
🚨Sports Tak Journalist Vikrant Gupta & Nitin Shrivastava talks about Rishabh Pant in ODI Cricket 🚨 (Sports Tak).
– “There is nothing going well between Coach Gautam Gambhir & Rishabh pant. There has been no communication between them since Guwahati Test.
Because of this, Pant… pic.twitter.com/mnRpkZ873x— MANU. (@IMManu_18) December 30, 2025
According to SportsTak journalists, the relationship between Gambhir and Pant has hit a breaking point. Gambhir has clear preferences for certain players, and others have been paying the price.
It is being said that the past baggage and unresolved issues are influencing decisions, and Pant has become the biggest name affected by this personal fallout. Presently, there is nothing going well between the coach and the wicketkeeper.
Things reportedly turned worse after the Guwahati Test, where India suffered a humiliating defeat.
The Selection Fallout: Kishan and Jurel Step In
The situation has directly affected team selection. Ishan Kishan’s return to the T20I setup is being seen as a move that further pushed Pant out of white-ball plans. In ODIs, KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, while Dhruv Jurel has moved ahead as the preferred backup.
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Ishan Kishan is also firmly back in the mix thanks to his stunning form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. As things stand, Pant is set to miss out on the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home, with Jurel and Kishan now viewed as the second-choice options.
Gautam Gambhir on Thin Ice as BCCI Tightens Grip
Pressure is mounting rapidly on Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach, with his future now totally dependent on the results. A Cricket Book YouTube channel hinted that Gambhir was on the verge of losing his job, but the BCCI has given him temporary relief.
However, the warning is clear and non-negotiable. If India fails to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Gambhir will be shown the door. Behind the scenes, the BCCI has already started applying pressure with the sudden buzz around bringing VVS Laxman into the Test setup, as per reports.
It was a calculated move by the BCCI to create headlines and remind Gambhir that his position is under constant review. Tensions have also emerged over team decisions. The BCCI and selectors, especially RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha, stepped in and took control of key decisions, asking Gambhir to focus only on winning matches.
