“He has tried opening” – Former India opener picks Rishabh Pant’s ideal batting position for IPL 2027 

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has backed Rishabh Pant to bat at No. 4 for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2027. Pant rejoined his former franchise for ₹15 crore after spending the 2025 and 2026 seasons with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Pant’s stint with LSG was difficult, as the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs on either occasion. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 581 runs in 26 innings across two seasons at an average of 26.41 and a strike rate of 135.75, including one century and two half-centuries.

Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Wasim Jaffer Official), the 48-year-old said Pant has experimented with opening and batting at No. 3, but believes two down is his ideal position in white-ball cricket. He said:

“I think number four is a better position for him because his IPL numbers at that spot are also very good. If you compare him with players who have batted at number four for a longer period, I think Rishabh Pant’s numbers are outstanding. He has tried opening and has also batted at number three, but I think number four is a better position for him in white-ball cricket. He can take a little time at the beginning and then pace his innings according to the situation.”

Pant has amassed 3,865 runs in 139 IPL matches, including 2,109 at No. 4, where he averages 34.57 and boasts a strike rate of 145.15, with 10 half-centuries and one century.

“Play for Delhi” – Wasim Jaffer’s advice to Rishabh Pant for a white-ball India comeback

In the same video, Wasim Jaffer also spoke about how Rishabh Pant has fallen out of India’s white-ball setup. Pant last played a T20I in July 2024 and has featured in just one ODI since the start of 2023.

Jaffer noted that the easier route for Pant to make a comeback would be to play for Delhi in domestic competitions, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He added that Pant would also need to have a strong IPL season to strengthen his chances of returning to the national side, just as Ishan Kishan did last year. He said:

“I think the easier route for him to make a comeback is to play for Delhi, perform well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and, most importantly, have a very big IPL season. If he performs well in these two or three competitions, just as Ishan Kishan did, then I think the door will be open for him to return to the competition. He just needs to perform consistently. I think he can get back into contention, but he needs to have a bumper season with Delhi in white-ball cricket, especially.”

Rishabh Pant has represented India in 107 matches across ODIs and T20Is, scoring 2,080 runs at an average of 26.66, including eight half-centuries and one century.