Former India star Suresh Rain who was part of MS Dhoni-led 2013 Champions Trophy winning team advised wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant to play with more responsibility in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to start from February 19.
Raina believes that Pant has improved a lot in wicketkeeping but he needs to play with more responsibility because it's a 50-over tournament.
“He has improved a lot on his wicket-keeping, Rishabh Pant needs to play with more responsibility because this is a 50-over tournament,” Raina told Star Sports.
Raina reckons that the upcoming three-match ODI series against England will be a good opportunity to Pant. The upcoming ODI series against England will be India's last ODI assignment before the Champions Trophy 2025.
“In the upcoming tournament with England you’ve got 3 One Days, this will be a good opportunity for Rishabh Pant.”
Suresh Raina said in the middle-order if Rishabh Pant ended up playing 40-50 deliveries, he is someone who can finish off the game for India.
“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.
“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.
Raina also said that Pant's mistake in Champions Trophy 2025 will cost a lot considering his talent and ability. He will be India's X factor in the mega event.
“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.”
Rohit Sharma-led India will start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh and they will play all their matches in Dubai.