Former South African captain AB de Villiers has expressed surprise over Rishabh Pant’s inclusion for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant recently scored a fine knock of 81 runs off 121 balls in the one-off Test match against Afghanistan. 

But, Pant didn’t have a great run in IPL 2026, scoring 312 runs in 13 innings while leading Lucknow Super Giants and AB noted that the wicket-keeper looked down on confidence in the lucrative tournament. 

However, Pant has performed consistently for India in the red-ball version and has been one of the team’s best performers in the last few years.

AB de Villiers said on his YouTube Channel, “Pant is there in the squad, which is a bit of a surprise to me. We’ll see what his fitness looks like and his appetite to want to perform. He looked a little bit low in confidence and energy in the IPL. But representing his country will likely bring out the best in him. I want to see him play with intensity.”

Meanwhile, AB welcomed experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja in the Test squad.

“It’s great to see Jadeja’s name in the squad. We never know these days when he is going to play and when he’s not. A fresh and fit Bumrah being back will bring huge energy to the team. Every time he’s in the side, the opposition batters need to be aware. He’s absolutely class.”

The former RCB batter believes the addition of Saransh Jain will add variety to India’s bowling line-up.

“It looks like he’s (Saransh Jain) similar to Washington Sundar. He has played for quite a while. He will give some options to Shubman Gill in the middle overs when the ball gets older. I think he’s more of a bowling all-rounder. With Jadeja and Kuldeep there, his addition gives the team great variety, especially when there are left-handers,” said AB de Villiers (via the aforementioned source).

The first Test match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Galle from August 15 onwards.