Inconsistent wicket-keeping
Despite his exceptional big-hitting prowess, Pant isn’t one of the finest wicket-keepers in the country under any stress of imagination.
Wriddhiman Saha is the best in the lot. However, given his batting form and age, Saha looks an unlikely candidate for a national call-up, especially in the shortest format.
There are many good wicket-keepers available in the country. Hence Pant needs to keep improving in both batting and wicket-keeping to make it to the national side on a consistent basis.
Presence of experienced campaigners like KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik
The presence of KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik also makes it difficult for Pant to break into the playing XI. Even if he tries to make a slot for himself purely as a batsman, it won’t be an easy task for him given the fact that two backup wicket-keepers, KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik have also performed quite brilliantly for their respective franchises.
KL Rahul has been in a brilliant touch as well. On the other hand, DK has been in some red-hot form. He also took India to a sensational last-ball victory against Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy final recently. Hence it will be a steep road for Pant despite his spectacular season so far.