IPL 2025: Raina Advocates for Pant to Bat at Number Four for LSG
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Synopsis
Suresh Raina advocates for Rishabh Pant to bat at number four in IPL 2025, emphasizing his potential to finish innings effectively. Raina highlights the significance of this season for Pant, who aims to return to the Indian T20I squad while navigating team challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Suresh Raina believes Rishabh Pant should bat at number four.
- Pant's performance in IPL 2025 is crucial for his T20I selection.
- Team challenges include injuries to key bowlers.
- Lucknow's support for Pant may boost his performance.
- IPL 2025 is vital for many players ahead of the T20 World Cup.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina suggests that Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant should take the number four batting position, allowing him the opportunity to finish the innings effectively in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
Pant, who is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, missed the ODIs against England and the triumphant Champions Trophy campaign, as KL Rahul was the preferred wicketkeeper.
In addition, with Sanju Samson scoring centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa in T20Is, Pant's standing in the shortest format has diminished. This season, as the captain of Lucknow Super Giants, he must deliver an outstanding performance to reclaim his spot in the Indian T20I squad.
“This season is crucial for him. As you mentioned, he’s currently not in the mix. However, observing his captaincy style, he appears to be cheerful, innovative, and exhibits calmness and sharp leadership. I wish for him to bat at number three,” Raina commented.
“Considering their squad, with players like Pooran, David Miller, and Aiden Markram, I believe he will bat at number four, which would deepen their batting lineup. I truly want him to fulfill the role of an innings finisher for LSG. I believe this IPL season will change his fortunes,” Raina stated during a virtual interaction with IANS before the tournament's 18th edition.
Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history when LSG acquired him for a record INR 27 crore in the last mega auction, previously captained Delhi Capitals in 43 matches. Raina also pointed out that Pant faces challenges in leading LSG, as pacers Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Mohsin Khan are plagued by injuries.
“It’s important to note that a couple of their bowlers are already injured - Mayank Yadav is ruled out, Mohsin Khan is unfit, and Avesh Khan is also struggling. Previously, they had quality all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis, who is now with Punjab.
“He has considerable homework to do, although their batting lineup appears very strong. They have a talented spinner like Bishnoi, and having Zaheer Khan as a mentor will be beneficial, given his vast experience and ability to connect well with Rishabh Pant,” added Raina, a four-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings.
In IPL 2024, which marked his return after recovering from a severe car accident, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 155.40. However, against spinners, his strike rate was only 119.53, and he was dismissed by them five times.
Raina, known for his effectiveness against spinners during his time with Chennai Super Kings, is optimistic about Pant's performance against this type of bowling in IPL 2025.
“I believe the pitch in Lucknow will differ from Delhi’s. Last year, he returned after surgery and was somewhat anxious to perform. He hadn’t played much before that, but now he is back, looking fit and is the captain of the Lucknow team.
“You know how welcoming the hospitality in Lucknow is. They will adore him as he is their local hero. I have a strong feeling he will excel for LSG,” he said.
With the upcoming T20 World Cup being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, IPL 2025 performances take on added significance for national team players. Raina anticipates that along with Pant, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will closely monitor the performances of Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in IPL 2025.
“(Fans will be keen on the performances of) Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson - he hasn’t performed well against England. There are 3-4 players vying for the opening spot, especially with Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is - that position is now vacant. Tilak Verma has performed admirably, as has Suryakumar Yadav at number three, especially since Virat Kohli no longer plays T20Is. The players in the middle order will be crucial.
“Kuldeep Yadav will also be vital, as he hasn’t played in recent T20Is. Besides Sanju Samson, there’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has only played one 50-over game, but you know the impact he can have at the top. Yashasvi, Tilak Verma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav - this IPL 2025 is essential for them.
“For Rishabh Pant, as you mentioned earlier, this will be significant, as the left-right combination at numbers three, four, and five will be pivotal – with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel in the mix. It’s essential to have that left-right combination, as scoring 200 runs is the new norm in T20s. Every batter should be ready to bowl and bat at various positions. Therefore, the players I highlighted will attract significant attention, especially from selectors, as tours will commence post-IPL,” concluded Raina.
