January 20, 2025: Former cricketer Suresh Raina has emphasized the crucial role that Rishabh Pant will play in the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Raina highlighted that Pant, who has shown significant improvement in his wicket-keeping skills, must take on more responsibility with the bat, especially in the 50-over format.
Raina, speaking to Star Sports, noted that while Pant’s ability as a wicketkeeper has enhanced, his role as a batter is equally important, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy. He suggested that Pant should focus on spending more time at the crease to build innings and provide stability in the middle order.
“If Rishabh goes on to play 40-50 deliveries, he can finish off the game, which is crucial,” Raina said. He also pointed out that Pant’s responsibility would increase if players like Yashasvi Jaiswal are not included in the playing eleven, with Pant potentially batting at the fourth position or before Hardik Pandya.
Raina stressed that Pant has the ability to score big runs if he applies himself, but making quick mistakes could cost the team dearly. He also mentioned that Pant’s ability to play long innings and score consistently is key for India’s success in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 and will be held in Pakistan and the UAE. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will play their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model, with their first game against Bangladesh on February 20. The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan will take place on February 23.
The Indian squad for the Champions Trophy includes:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- 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