ICC Champions Trophy 2025: MS Dhoni’s best friend fires big warning at Rishabh Pant: ‘If he gets it wrong…’

As India begin their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, former batsman Suresh Raina has urged Rishabh pants to be more responsible with your baptism. The left-handed batsman has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The same team will also face England in a three-match ODI series.

Rishabh Pant is one of two wicketkeeper-batsmen in Team India, with KL Rahul being the other. As of now, it remains unclear whether the Delhi star will get the nod ahead of Rahul to don the controlling gloves.

Many believe that Rahul will be the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper because of his performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 as well as his impressive display in the recent Test series against Australia.

While Rishabh Pant has become an integral member of India’s Test team, the same cannot be said for his place in the ODI and T20I squad.

The left-hander has really failed to deliver consistent performances in the limited overs format. In ODIs, he has scored a modest 871 runs in 31 games at an average of less than 32.

Read also: Watch: Rishabh Pant’s Savage Taunt at Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings: ‘I just had a tension…’

Rishabh Pant has improved a lot – Suresh Raina

The selection of Rishabh Pant has not gone down well with many. Many believe that the likes of Sanju Samson i Ishan Kishan would have been better options. Kishan was part of India’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, while Samson scored two centuries in the T20I series against South Africa in November last year.

However, Raina has backed Pant, saying his former India teammate has improved his vigilance. Raina also said that the upcoming three-match ODI series against England will be a good opportunity for Pant.

“He has improved a lot in his keeping, Rishabh Pant has to play with more responsibility because this is a 50-over tournament,” Raina told Star Sports.

“In the upcoming tournament with England you have 3 One Days, this will be a good opportunity for Rishabh Pant,” he added.

Rishabh Pant can finish the game:

Speaking further, Raina said that Rishabh Pant could play a very crucial role for the Indian team in the ODIs. The former India batsman said that in case Yashasvi Jaiswal fails to get a place in the playing eleven, Pant could play the role of finisher for the Indian team. He also advised Pant to take his time in the middle before going for the big shots.

“It depends on how you play, I think if Yashasvi doesn’t play in the top order, Rishabh Pant will play a very important role, he can bat at number four, he can also come in to bat before Hardik because if Rishabh continues to play 40-50 overs then he can finish the match,” Raina said.

“He has to tell himself that if I bowl fifty deliveries, then I can score 80-100 runs, but it’s important that he spends some time. If he makes a mistake, that’s going to cost a lot because he’s got that talent, he’s got that ability, it’s going to be the X-factor for the Indian team,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played from February 19 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. India will play all their matches in UAE. Team India is in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.