Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has emphasized the significance of Rishabh Pant in the Champions Trophy 2025, urging the wicketkeeper-batter to play with greater responsibility. Speaking exclusively on Star Sports Press Room, Raina highlighted Pant’s improved wicket-keeping skills and his potential to be a game-changer for the Men in Blue.
Key Highlights from Raina’s Comments
- Improved Wicket-Keeping:
Raina acknowledged Pant’s progress as a wicketkeeper and noted that the upcoming series against England presents an opportunity for him to further enhance his performance in white-ball cricket. - Importance of Responsibility:
Stressing Pant’s role in the squad, Raina remarked,“Rishabh Pant needs to play with more responsibility because this is a 50-over tournament. Spending time at the crease is crucial for him. If he makes a mistake, it could cost the team.”
- Batting Position & X-Factor Role:
- Raina suggested Pant could bat at No. 4 or come in before Hardik Pandya in the lineup.
- He believes Pant’s ability to face 40-50 deliveries and score big makes him an X-factor for Team India.
- Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Role:
If Yashasvi Jaiswal does not feature in the top order, Pant’s contributions become even more critical for the team.
Rishabh Pant’s ODI Stats
- Matches Played: 31
- Runs Scored: 871
- Strike Rate: 106.21
- Last ODI: Against Sri Lanka in 2024
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule & India’s Campaign
- Start Date: February 19, 2025
- India’s Group Matches:
- vs Bangladesh: February 20
- vs Pakistan: February 23 (Dubai)
- vs New Zealand: March 2
- India will play all its matches in Dubai under the hybrid model adopted for the tournament.
India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Players:
Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja
The Champions Trophy marks a critical phase for Rishabh Pant to demonstrate his value as a wicketkeeper-batter and deliver match-winning performances for India. Fans and experts alike will have their eyes on his game-changing potential.
