Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, has expressed the need for the selectors to provide Rishabh Pant with clarity regarding his future in white-ball cricket. This statement follows the exclusion of the wicketkeeper-batter from the 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. The team has opted for Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel as the designated wicketkeepers.

The selection committee has yet to clarify whether Pant's absence is due to being dropped or simply rested. The 27-year-old recently participated in all five Test matches against Australia. Notably, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have also been omitted from the squad.

In advocating for Rishabh Pant, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Dhruv Jurel has not yet made a significant impact in T20Is, suggesting that Pant should have been included as at least a backup wicketkeeper for the T20I team.

"You have selected Dhruv Jurel based solely on potential. He cannot be included in the starting XI without displacing either Rinku Singh or Nitish Kumar Reddy, which would be unfair to them," Aakash Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel.

"You have chosen him over Rishabh Pant, which raises questions about Pant's role in your plans. Is this decision being made so early in his career? I am not engaging in public relations here; I genuinely believe Rishabh Pant is a valuable asset and a generational talent," he added.

'Could have picked Rishabh Pant'

Aakash Chopra remarked that Rishabh Pant might have been a suitable choice for the T20I series against England, as he is not guaranteed a starting position for the Champions Trophy.

KL Rahul is anticipated to be included in the playing XI as the primary wicketkeeper. Pant is competing with Sanju Samson for the second wicketkeeper role in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy.

"You should consider investing in him. If he is not part of your plans, perhaps he has been rested. Rishabh Pant is not a confirmed starter for the Champions Trophy. Even if selected, his place in the playing XI is not assured," Chopra stated.

"It would have been beneficial to include him. It would be helpful if the selectors could provide some clarity to Rishabh Pant. During a period of transition, it is crucial to keep everyone informed and offer some transparency," he continued.

The India squad for the England T20Is includes: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).

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