India have announced their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, bringing back wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant after he missed India’s recent ODI assignments. While his return has been welcomed by many, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers admitted he did not expect Rishabh Pant to be included.
The 28 years old left-handed batter from Delhi is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Test cricket. He last represented the country in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June 2026, where he scored 81 runs in the first innings.
Despite that impressive performance, Rishabh Pant was left out of India’s ODI squads for the home series against Afghanistan in June and the away series against England in July.
However, Rishabh Pant has now been named in India’s 15-member squad for the Test tour of Sri Lanka, which was announced on Tuesday (July 28). He is expected to take up the role of the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper during the series.
Sharing his views, AB de Villiers said Rishabh Pant’s inclusion was unexpected. He felt the wicketkeeper-batter appeared to be short of confidence and energy during the IPL 2026 but expressed hope that returning to international cricket would help him rediscover his best form. ABD also reiterated that he has always admired Pant and wants to see him play with greater intensity for India.
The former South Africa captain also spoke about Saransh Jain, who has earned his maiden Test call-up for India. The 33-year all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket. AB de Villiers praised the selectors for finally giving Saransh Jain an opportunity after years of strong displays in first-class cricket.
He described Saransh Jain as a right-arm off-spinner and left-handed batter, comparing his playing style to Washington Sundar. ABD highlighted Saransh Jain’s impressive bowling record, noting that he averages just over 27 with a strike rate of around 54. He also said Saransh Jain’s ability to bowl in the middle overs with an older ball could provide captain Shubman Gill with another valuable option.
Talking about Saransh Jain’s batting, AB de Villiers pointed out that the all-rounder has scored several half-centuries and a couple of centuries in first-class cricket. He believes Saransh Jain is better suited to the role of a bowling all-rounder rather than a batting all-rounder.
India’s tour of Sri Lanka will begin with the first Test in Galle from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club from August 23 to 27.
India last played a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2017, when Virat Kohli led the team to a 3-0 series sweep.
