As India begins its preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, former batsman Suresh Raina has urged Rishabh Pant to be more responsible with his batting. 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 the two batsmen in the India squad with KL Rahul being the other. As of now, it is still unclear whether the Delhi star will get KL Rahul's nod to don the wicket-keeping gloves.
Many believe that Rahul will be the first wicket-keeper for the team due to his performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup as well as his impressive display in the recent Test series against Australia.
While Rishabh Pant has become a regular member of the Indian Test team, the same cannot be said about his place in the ODI as well as the T20I team.
The left-hander has not really been able to produce consistent performances in the limited-overs format. In ODIs, he scored a modest 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of less than 32.
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Rishabh Pant has improved a lot: Suresh Raina
Rishabh Pant's casting did not go down well with many. Many believe that the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan could have been better options. Kishan was part of India's squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup while Samson scored a double century in the T20I series against South Africa in November last year.
However, Raina threw his support behind Pant, saying his former Indian teammate has improved his wicket-keeping. 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 wicket-keeping and Rishabh Pant needs to play more responsibly as this is a 50-over tournament,” Raina told Star Sports.
He added: “In the next tournament with England, you have 3 days, and this will be a good opportunity for Rishabh Pant.”
Rishabh Pant can finish the game:
Speaking further, Raina said that Rishabh Pant can play a very crucial role for Team India in ODI matches. The former India batsman said that if Yashasvi Jaiswal does not get a place in the playing eleven, Pant could play the role of a finisher for Team India. 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 Yashavi doesn't play in the top order, Rishabh Pant will have a very important role, he can bat at number four and he can also come to bat before Hardik because if Rishabh continues to play 40-50,” Raina said. A handoff and then he can finish the game.”
“He has to tell himself that if I play fifty passes, I can score 80-100 points but it is important for him to take time. If he makes a mistake, it will cost a lot because he has that talent,” he added. “If he has that ability, he will be the factor.” Tenth for the Indian team.
Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE. India will play all their matches in the UAE. Team India is in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
