Rishabh Pant Trains With MS Dhoni in Ranchi Ahead of IND vs SL 2026 Test Series
Rishabh Pant, 28, is training with cricketing legend MS Dhoni, 45, in Ranchi, as he prepares for India's crucial two-match Test series against Sri Lanka from August 15-27, 2026.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has spent time alongside legendary former captain MS Dhoni in Ranchi, ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant linked up with Dhoni in his hometown as part of his final preparations before joining the national squad. Former India player Shahbaz Nadeem shared a photo of himself, Dhoni and Pant in gym on social media to confirm rumours about the duo training in Ranchi. India vs Sri Lanka 2026 Test Series Full Schedule and Time Table.
MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant and Shahbaz Nadeem
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Videos on social media showcased Pant, currently 28 years old honing his skills under the watchful eye of Dhoni, 45, at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) Stadium complex This collaboration underscores the importance of the upcoming series, which forms a vital part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant
The Upcoming Sri Lanka Test Challenge
Team India is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August 2026. The fixtures are critical for both nations as they aim to accumulate valuable World Test Championship points. The schedule is as follows:
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 15-19, 2026 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 10:00 AM |
| 2nd Test | August 23-27, 2026 | SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo | 10:00 AM |
Both matches are slated to begin at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), which aligns with the local time in Sri Lanka. India Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series Announced: Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up; Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan Subject to Fitness.
Rishabh Pant's Road to Red-Ball Redemption
Rishabh Pant's inclusion in India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour signals a renewed focus on his red-ball prowess. His selection comes after an 'underwhelming IPL 2026 season' with the Lucknow Super Giants, and a period where he lost his place in India's ODI and T20I teams due to persistent poor batting performances. Earlier this year, Pant, born on October 4, 1997, had also rejoined his former franchise, the Delhi Capitals, for the IPL 2027 season after his stint with LSG.
With the guidance of a cricketing icon and a crucial Test series on the horizon, Pant's training in Ranchi signifies his determination to reclaim his form and cement his place in the Indian Test side. Fans will be eagerly watching to see the impact of this high-profile mentorship on his performance in Sri Lanka.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2026 08:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).