Suresh Raina on Rishabh Pant: Suresh Raina has given important advice to Rishabh Pant ahead of the three-match ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former Indian batter has urged wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to bat with more “responsibility” in both the ODI series and the Champions Trophy. Pant has been preferred over Sanju Samson, who has a better ODI average and has performed well in recent T20 matches.

However, it is still uncertain whether Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the ODIs and Champions Trophy, as KL Rahul’s statistics as a wicketkeeper in this format are strong. Rahul is the biggest contender to take over the gloves. After 31 matches, Pant’s 50-over record is mediocre. His average in this format is 33.5, and he has scored only 871 runs. Though Pant has been a regular wicketkeeper-batsman for a long time, KL Rahul is currently ahead in the race.

Suresh Raina’s Advice for Pant

Suresh Raina said on Star Sports, “He has improved his wicketkeeping a lot. Rishabh Pant will have to play with more responsibility because this is a 50-over tournament. The upcoming series with England will be a good opportunity for Rishabh Pant.”

“Rishabh Pant needs to play with more responsibility because this is a 50-over tournament,” Raina said.#RishabhPant #ChampionsTrophy | @ITGDsports https://t.co/bRLfPxqCXV

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 20, 2025

The Importance of Spending Time at the Crease

Raina added that if Pant starts playing 40-50 balls in the middle order, he could finish the match for India. He said, “It depends on how you play. If Yashasvi doesn’t play in the top order, Rishabh Pant’s role will be very important. He can bat at number four or come in before Hardik. If Rishabh plays 40-50 balls, he can finish the match. He needs to realize that if he plays for fifty balls, he can score 80-100 runs. But it is important for him to spend some time at the crease. If he makes a mistake, it will hurt him a lot. He has the talent and ability, and he will be the X factor for the Indian team.”

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