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Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has admitted that he was surprised to see Rishabh Pant included in India’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. However, he also believes that wearing the India jersey again could help Pant return to his best.
De Villiers said Pant did not look at his usual level during the IPL and felt he lacked confidence and energy. Even so, he expects the wicketkeeper-batter to raise his game in international cricket.
“Rishabh Pant is included, which, in my opinion, is a bit of a surprise. We’ll have to see what his fitness is like and his appetite to perform because he looked slightly low on confidence and energy during the IPL. But now he’s representing India again, and I believe that will bring out the best in number 17. I’m a big fan—I just want to see him play with intensity.”
Happy for Saransh Jain
De Villiers was also pleased to see Saransh Jain earn his maiden India call-up at the age of 33 after years of strong performances in domestic cricket.
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He said Jain’s experience and all-round ability could prove valuable for India, especially on turning pitches.
“The big surprise, however, is Saransh Jain. He’s 33 years old and has been playing first-class cricket for quite some time. It’s great to see him finally get his opportunity. He’s a right-arm off-spinner and a left-handed batter, similar to Washington Sundar.”
He also praised Jain’s domestic record and believes he can give captain Shubman Gill another useful bowling option when the ball gets older.
“He’s played for quite a while and his bowling numbers are excellent. He averages just over 27, with a strike rate of around 54. He’ll give Shubman Gill another useful option once the ball gets older in the middle overs. His batting record is also respectable, with several fifties and a couple of hundreds. I’d describe him as more of a bowling all-rounder than a batting all-rounder.”
On VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir
De Villiers also shared his thoughts on VVS Laxman taking charge of the Indian team during the Zimbabwe series in Gautam Gambhir’s absence. He wondered if Laxman’s stint could create healthy competition within the coaching setup.
“Sometimes you think taking a break is the right thing to do—you rest, recharge and manage yourself—but then you suddenly realise that the players are really enjoying someone else’s presence. I don’t know whether there’s anything more to it, but perhaps VVS Laxman is putting a bit of pressure on Gautam Gambhir and forcing him to respond. Time will tell.”
Strong Reaction to ‘Clicky Ponting’ Incident
The former South Africa captain also reacted to the controversial “clicky Ponting” incident in English club cricket. He said there is no place for any kind of cheating in the game and stressed that players should always compete fairly.
“If it really was deliberate deception, then I absolutely hate seeing things like that. Especially if it actually influenced the umpire’s decision. The idea, obviously, is that the umpire hears the click, mistakes it for an edge, the wicketkeeper catches the ball, and the batter is given out.”
De Villiers made it clear that trying to fool an umpire by creating a fake sound is against the spirit of cricket.
“If that’s genuinely what happened, then there’s no place for it in cricket. Deliberately creating a false sound to fool an umpire? There’s absolutely no place for that. If anyone is doing it intentionally, stop. Play the game fairly.”