Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has commended wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his dedication and performances, describing him as one of his favourite players and noting his distinctive X-factor.
Raina expressed confidence that Pant will continue to develop in white-ball cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) while maintaining his strong form in Test matches.
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During an appearance on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube show, Raina said, “He has worked hard. I am very happy. Everyone does well, but he is one of the best. He is my favourite player. He is scoring a lot in Tests. He has that X factor. I think he will mature in white-ball and IPL as well. He has done really well.”
Pant has become a crucial part of India’s
Pant has become a crucial part of India’s Test team, accumulating 3,725 runs in 52 matches at an average of 43.82, including eight centuries and 21 half-centuries. However, he has not played in limited-overs formats since 2024.
Last month, India, led by Shubman Gill, won the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0. Pant scored 168 runs in three innings at an average of 56.00, with two half-centuries.
His most recent appearances for India in limited-overs cricket were in T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 28, 2024, and an One Day International in Colombo on August 7, 2024.
Raina also stated that explosive opener Abhishek Sharma
Raina also stated that explosive opener Abhishek Sharma should be considered for Test cricket and questioned whether IPL team owners and state associations are promoting the longest format to players.
He remarked, “I feel Abhishek Sharma should play Test cricket. Vaibhav is very young. Does he want to play? What do his coaches think? These are questions. I feel he should play. Are the IPL owners and associations also thinking of this and putting Test cricket in players’ minds? Coaches also have a role here.”
Source: thenewsmill.com
