Former India batter Suresh Raina has urged wk-batter Rishabh Pant to take responsibility with the bat during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Raina believes Rishabh Pant can impress everyone in the 50-over format if he bats with more ‘responsibility’ in the three-match ODI series against England and the ICC event.
However, it remains to be seen if Pant will be keeping the wickets in the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, India has another wicketkeeping option in the squad for the upcoming ODI assignments.
“He has improved a lot on his wicketkeeping; Rishabh Pant needs to play with more responsibility because this is a 50-over tournament,” told Raina.
“In the upcoming tournament with England you’ve got 3 One Days, this will be a good opportunity for Rishabh Pant.”
Pant has a stunning record in Test Cricket, but his ODI numbers are far from impressive having only 871 runs at an average of 33.31 in 31 ODIs.
“It depends on how you play, I think if Yashasvi does not play in the top order then Rishabh Pant will have a very important role, he can bat at the fourth position he can also come in to bat before Hardik because if Rishabh goes on to play 40-50 deliveries then he can finish off the game.
Raina also said the Pant can score hundred if he spends more time on the crease and plays at least fifty deliveries.
“He has to tell himself that if I play fifty deliveries then I can score 80-100 runs but it is important for him to spend some time. If he makes a mistake then that’s going to cost a lot because he has that talent, he has got that ability, he is going to be the X factor for the Indian team.”
As per India’s Champions trophy schedule, the Men in Blues will play their all their matches in Dubai after a stance with PCB on not travelling to Pakistan. Being placed in Group A, India will play their group stage matches with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
India’s first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20 at Dubai International Stadium.
