Rishabh Pant’s long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after eight years thrilled fans, yet his lackluster performance on the field reflected the disappointing performances of several other Indian cricketers, sparking concerns as the Champions Trophy approaches.
New Delhi: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a touching return to the Ranji Trophy after an eight-year absence, taking the opportunity to meet fans, sign autographs, and take photos before Delhi’s match against Saurashtra on January 23. Despite a disappointing performance on the field, Pant received immense support from his fans.
Rishabh Pant Giving Autographs To The Fan’s ❤️🤗 #rishabhpant #ranjitrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/IFdFiykZVA
— Amlesh (@amlesh_17) January 23, 2025
Pant’s return aligns with the BCCI’s focus on strengthening domestic cricket as a vital part of the international selection process. Alongside prominent Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pant seized the chance to participate in the Ranji Trophy, highlighting its importance as the team prepares for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Unfortunately, the day didn’t go as anticipated for Rishabh Pant or his fellow cricket stars. The eagerly awaited returns of India’s top players were overshadowed by lackluster performances. Pant could only manage a solitary run before being dismissed in Delhi’s match against Saurashtra, much to the surprise of fans who know him for his aggressive batting style.
Similarly, Rohit Sharma, making his return to Mumbai after almost a decade, had a brief stay at the crease, scoring only three runs. His young opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, also fell cheaply for just five runs in Mumbai’s encounter with Jammu and Kashmir. Shubman Gill, another prominent figure in India’s batting lineup, managed just four runs in Punjab’s match against Karnataka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The underwhelming performances of these star players raised concerns among both fans and selectors, especially with the prestigious Champions Trophy on the horizon. The Ranji Trophy was seen as a chance for players to get back into form, especially after India’s recent setbacks in Test cricket against New Zealand and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Despite the disappointing results, the involvement of players like Pant in domestic cricket highlights the importance of the Ranji Trophy in developing talent and keeping Indian cricket competitive. Fans will be hoping for better performances in the upcoming matches as these players aim to secure their spots in the national squad.
