Former spinner Amit Mishra feels Rishabh Pant’s place in India’s Test setup is not guaranteed and he may need to evolve his red-ball game to avoid slipping out of plans. In 2017, Pant was central to the Test side, despite only occasional stints in ODIs and T20Is.

Eight three-figure scores underline Pant’s impact in Tests, setting him apart among Indian wicketkeepers and ranking him near the top worldwide. Even so, Mishra feels the left-hander must rethink his strategy as teams increasingly target his weaknesses.

“I have very high expectations from Rishabh Pant. Considering the player he is and the experience he now has, he needs to keep adapting his game. He is no longer a newcomer and has been part of the team since 2018. At this stage of his career, making changes becomes very important,” Mishra said on the Men XP podcast.

“Opposition sides study you in great detail. They track your scoring areas, how you handle pace, and which deliveries you choose not to go after. Everything is noted. As a batter, you have to stay conscious of that. You cannot afford to keep getting dismissed in the same manner repeatedly. That’s something you must correct,” Mishra added.

Mishra emphasized that success across conditions requires adaptability, warning Pant that persisting with a single template can backfire, as demonstrated by the demanding spin-friendly pitches in South Africa.

“If a shot isn’t coming off on a particular surface, you have to park it for that game. You can’t be stubborn and say this is my style and I won’t change. Keep doing that for a few matches and you risk losing your place. Conditions vary everywhere. Some pitches turn, some offer bounce, others swing. Adapting to what’s in front of you is the player’s responsibility,” he said.