Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has offered a candid assessment of Rishabh Pant’s contrasting returns across formats, suggesting that batting position and role clarity have played a significant part in the wicketkeeper-batter’s uneven white-ball record.

Uthappa pointed to Pant’s batting position as a key factor behind his white-ball inconsistency. According to the former opener, the Haridwar-born's skill set is best utilised at the top of the order, rather than being pushed into middle-order roles that demand a different mindset.

"I've never understood why someone of Rishabh's calibre is not opening the batting or batting at No.3.

That's where it should end. 2. He should not bat below No. 3, but he believes on some level that he's a great finisher in white-ball cricket and that his numbers are really great," Uthappa spoke via CommBox TV.

Uthappa further suggested that the 28-year-old has gradually come to terms with the realities of his white-ball game, even if it hasn’t evolved the way many expected. The 2007 T20 World Cup winner noted that the left-handed batter's recent batting positions in franchise cricket reflect an acceptance of where his game currently fits.

"He has worked out why it hasn't worked out for him in white-ball cricket. He has probably made a semblance of peace with it. Even today, when you look at where he bats, even in the IPL, where he is the captain of a franchise, we see him bat at No. 4 and 5," he added.

Furthermore, Uthappa believes Pant’s approach is emblematic of a broader shift in modern Test batting, where attacking intent is increasingly viewed as a form of defence. Drawing parallels with England batters Harry Brook and Ben Duckett, he argued that the current generation is more inclined to counter pressure with aggression rather than restraint.

"Today we are celebrating Rishabh Pant, notwithstanding his prowess and what he has been able to achieve in Test cricket, for his unorthodox batting approach. Similarly, a Harry Brook or Ben Duckett. When things get a little hard, they just throw their bat at everything. They think offense is the best form of defense and that's where cricket is at this point," the former India batter said.

While Pant’s white-ball numbers have drawn criticism, his Test credentials remain beyond doubt.

The 28-year-old averages an impressive 42.91 in Test cricket, scoring eight centuries in just 49 matches. His strike rate of nearly 75, combined with 94 sixes, underlines the aggressive brand of batting that has redefined the role of wicketkeepers in red-ball cricket.

Pant has long been regarded as one of India’s most influential Test cricketers of the modern era. His fearless approach, ability to absorb pressure, and knack for producing decisive knocks away from home have made him a match-winner in the longest format. Over the past decade, the left-hander has consistently delivered in high-stakes Test situations, often turning games on their head with his counter-attacking style.

He has scored 8 centuries in Tests, the most for any Indian wicketkeeper-batter, period.

However, that impact has not translated as seamlessly into limited-overs cricket. Pant’s struggles in white-ball formats have ultimately resulted in his exclusion from India’s T20I and ODI plans for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While he was part of India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup squad, his role during that campaign remained unsettled, with the southpaw batting predominantly at No. 3.

Despite occasional criticism over shot selection, Pant’s influence in Test cricket has been undeniable. He has played a central role in several of India’s most memorable overseas victories, including the historic 2–1 series win in Australia during the 2020–21 season. He has got centuries in Australia, England, South Africa, and India, which certifies his adaptability to the conditions.

In contrast, Pant’s white-ball returns paint a more subdued picture. Across ODIs and T20Is, he averages under 34 and 24, respectively, in 107 appearances, figures that fall short of the standards he has set in Test cricket.