Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Rishabh Pant should be judged on the amount of runs he scores and not by his mode of dismissal. Chopra also reckons that Pant was unfairly removed as India’s vice-captain in the Test format after selectors decided to appoint KL Rahul as Shubman Gill’s deputy.

Pant played an impressive knock in the first innings of the one-Test match against Afghanistan at New Chandigarh on Saturday but was dismissed while trying to play a big shot. Pant scored 81 runs off 121 deliveries with the help of six fours and three sixes. 

The southpaw had the rub of the green on his side as Afghanistan didn’t go for the review when he edged the ball to the wicket-keeper when he was on 54. 

This was a crucial knock for Pant as he was coming after a mundane performance in IPL 2026. The left-hander could only manage 312 runs in 13 innings of the season at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05. Subsequently, he resigned from his captaincy position with LSG.

“Extremely valuable runs. You can say that removing the title (of vice-captain) was a by-product, but giving the title was also a by-product of doing well. You were playing as a player only. What decision did he take as a vice-captain that wasn’t right for the team? He hadn’t done anything wrong in Test cricket. In my opinion, he was penalized unfairly,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“He would be disappointed. Don’t get out on 81, convert it into 150, because he might be judged next time on how many runs he scored. The problem is not with him entirely. Our understanding is that it’s wrong if someone gets out while playing a shot. Judge him on runs, and not on how he gets out. F-35 is a stealth fighter, don’t make it a commercial plane,” he added.

Pant has been a consistent performer in Test cricket, and he would look to carry the good show.