Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Ian Smith Surprised by Pant's T20 World Cup Exclusion
Ian Smith, a former New Zealand cricketer, is surprised that Rishabh Pant was not picked for India's T20 World Cup team.
He thinks Pant is a very good player who can win matches.
The team chose Sanju Samson as the main keeper instead.
Smith believes India has a good chance to win the World Cup because they are playing at home.
He also thinks other teams like Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand could be strong competitors.
Pant is currently recovering from an injury and has not been part of the T20 team since the last World Cup.
Ian Smith expressed surprise at Rishabh Pant's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad.
Smith believes Pant is a match-winner and would pick him over Sanju Samson.
Sanju Samson is the preferred keeper, with Ishan Kishan as the reserve.
Pant has not been part of India's T20 setup since the 2024 World Cup due to a side strain injury.
Smith thinks India has a good chance to win the T20 World Cup, playing at home with favorable conditions.
- Who
- Ian Smith, former New Zealand cricketer and commentator
- What
- Exclusion of Rishabh Pant from India's T20 World Cup squad
- When
- Upcoming T20 World Cup in less than three weeks
- Where
- India
- Why
- Sanju Samson preferred as the first-choice keeper
- Player Excluded
- Rishabh Pant
- Preferred Keeper
- Sanju Samson
- Reserve Keeper
- Ishan Kishan
- Commentator's View
- Ian Smith
- World Cup Start
- Less than three weeks away
- Pant's Injury
- Side strain
- Smith's Opinion
- Pant is a match winner
- India's Chances
- Favorites to win
