Raina Encourages Pant to Bat More Responsibly in ODIs

Synopsis

Suresh Raina emphasizes the need for Rishabh Pant to adopt a more responsible batting approach in the upcoming ODIs against England and the Champions Trophy. He believes that facing 40-50 balls will enable Pant to play a crucial role in securing victories for India.

Key Takeaways

Suresh Raina advocates for Rishabh Pant to bat with more responsibility.
Facing 40-50 deliveries can help Pant finish games effectively.
Uncertainty remains over the first-choice keeper-batter for India.
India's last Champions Trophy victory was in 2013.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership is crucial for upcoming tournaments.

New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) Former India cricketer Suresh Raina expressed his desire to see Rishabh Pant approach his batting with increased responsibility in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy. Raina believes that if the left-handed batsman manages to face 40-50 deliveries, he can effectively lead the team to victory.

On Saturday, Pant was included in India’s squads for the three ODIs against England, which commence on January 22, as well as the Champions Trophy scheduled for February. There remains uncertainty regarding whether Pant or KL Rahul will emerge as India's primary keeper-batter for future 50-over contests.

Throughout 31 matches, Pant has accumulated 871 runs at an average of 33.5, with his highest score being an unbeaten 125 against England in Manchester in 2022. Raina noted, "He has shown significant improvement in his wicket-keeping skills, but Rishabh Pant must play with greater responsibility, especially in this 50-over tournament. The upcoming series against England includes 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs, providing him with a prime opportunity."

"The outcome depends on his performance; if Yashasvi does not occupy the top order, Rishabh Pant will hold a crucial role, potentially batting at the fourth spot. He could also come in ahead of Hardik, and if Rishabh plays 40-50 deliveries, he can secure the game for us."

"He needs to remind himself that by playing fifty deliveries, he can score 80-100 runs. It’s vital for him to take his time; a single mistake could have significant repercussions because he possesses immense talent and ability, making him the X factor for the Indian team," Raina conveyed to Star Sports.

India last secured the Champions Trophy title in 2013, with Raina being part of that victorious squad alongside Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. When asked if these players can replicate their 2013 success next month in Dubai, Raina responded affirmatively. "I vividly remember the celebrations in 2013 when Rohit and Virat achieved victory; it was a memorable atmosphere. Ravindra Jadeja earned the Man of the Series award for his exceptional bowling during that tournament. All three players are integral to the current team."

"Rohit Sharma serves as the captain. I recall when he was not selected for the 2011 World Cup; he felt quite disappointed and was eager to make a mark in the Champions Trophy. Recently, he clinched the T20 World Cup and is now capturing ICC titles he previously missed. Virat has experience lifting this trophy and knows how to manage pressure."

"The conditions back then were entirely different, but the scenarios in Dubai will also vary. Rohit understands how to navigate challenges. If he can play for 20-25 overs, I wouldn’t be surprised if he mirrors his outstanding performance from the 2019 World Cup," he added.

India's Group A campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai will kick off against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a match against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, and concluding with a game against New Zealand on March 2.