‘He has less confidence and energy…’ AB de Villiers raised questions on Rishabh Pant’s selection, also gave a big statement on Gambhir

IND vs SL: A 2-Test series is going to be played between India and Sri Lanka from 15th to 27th August. Team India’s squad for this series was announced last Tuesday i.e. 28th July. Shubman Gill will lead the squad of the Indian cricket team. KL Rahul will be seen as the vice-captain in the team. Rishabh Pant, Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will be seen among the senior and experienced players of the team. Saransh Jain has got a chance for the first time in this series. Gautam Gambhir will also return to this series after the Zimbabwe tour.

Before that, former South African captain and explosive batsman AB de Villiers has given a big statement regarding the inclusion of Rishabh Pant in Team India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. 42 year old De Villiers has also talked about Saransh Jain and Gautam Gambhir on his YouTube channel. Let us know what he has said.

🚨 News 🚨#TeamIndia‘s squad for the 2⃣-match Test Series against Sri Lanka announced

Note: Washington Sundar was not available for selection for the first Test.

More Details ▶️ https://t.co/Vk0Xd8Axmq#SLvINDpic.twitter.com/NuCcKBohMj

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 28, 2026

AB de Villiers raised questions on Rishabh Pant

AB de Villiers said, ‘Rishabh Pant has been included in the squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka, which according to me is a bit surprising. We have to see how his fitness is and how much desire he has to perform because during the IPL, he was a little low on confidence and energy, but now he is playing for India again.

De Villiers said something special about Saransh Jain

Talking about Saransh Jain, De Villiers said, ‘The biggest surprise for me is Saransh Jain. He is 33 years old and has been playing first-class cricket for a long time. He will give another option to Shubhman Gill. His batting record is also good, with many fifties and a few centuries. I would call him more of a bowling all-rounder than a batting all-rounder.

Saransh Jain has earned his maiden Test call-up 👏

Take a look at the new off-spinner, who set the stage on fire with his stunning 5/49 in the Duleep Trophy final. 👍 pic.twitter.com/VIlTxFDhAy

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIDomestic) July 28, 2026

De Villiers’ big statement on Gambhir and Laxman

AB de Villiers has said on Gautam Gambhir taking a break and giving a chance to VVS Laxman, ‘Sometimes you feel that taking a break is right. You rest, recharge and manage yourself but then you suddenly realize that the players are actually enjoying someone else’s presence. I don’t know whether there is something more to it or not, but perhaps VVS Laxman is putting some pressure on Gautam Gambhir and forcing him to answer. Only time will tell.

Patience. Discipline. Character. 🏏 🤍#RP17pic.twitter.com/L292kuPfyy

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) June 5, 2026

India’s squad for test against Sri Lanka

Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Sai Sudarshan*, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain.

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