Former India wicketkeeper and chief selector Kiran More has expressed confidence in wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s ability to bounce back from his rough patch in the ongoing IPL 2026. Pant, who has faced criticism for his performance in the league, has received backing from More, who highlighted Pant’s resilience and determination as key factors for a successful comeback.
Pant’s struggles in the IPL have seen him underperform with just 286 runs in 13 matches, leading his team, Lucknow Super Giants, to the bottom of the points table. Despite facing setbacks, More emphasized Pant’s fighting spirit, courage, and past match-winning performances in Test cricket as reasons for optimism regarding his future in the sport.
More also praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a standout performer for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, describing him as a rare talent with immense potential. Acknowledging Sooryavanshi’s exceptional form and impressive strike rate, More expressed confidence in the young player’s ability to excel in the future and urged for a balanced approach to managing his career without undue pressure.
Additionally, More discussed the launch of the Beyond Reach Premier League, a new initiative for tennis-ball cricketers, which aims to unearth hidden talent. Following successful trials in Ghaziabad under More’s guidance, the league has attracted promising young players, showcasing the potential for nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
