Suresh Raina Highlights Rishabh Pant's Potential and Advocates for Abhishek Sharma in Tests
Raina Commends Pant's Unique Talent
Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed admiration for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, emphasizing his dedication and exceptional skills. Raina considers Pant one of his favorite players, particularly noting his unique 'X-factor.' During a discussion on Aakash Chopra's YouTube channel, Raina stated, "He has put in significant effort. I am thrilled with his progress. While many perform well, he stands out as one of the best. He is my favorite. His scoring in Tests is impressive, and I believe he will continue to develop in white-ball formats and the IPL. He has been performing exceptionally well."
Pant's Test Performance and Future Prospects
Despite being sidelined from limited-overs formats, Pant has solidified his role in India's Test team. He has accumulated 3,725 runs in 52 Test matches, boasting an average of 43.82, which includes eight centuries and 21 half-centuries. Recently, India, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, achieved a 1-0 victory in a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Pant contributed significantly, scoring 168 runs over three innings with an impressive average of 56.00, featuring two half-centuries. However, he has not participated in ODIs or T20Is since 2024, with his last T20I match occurring against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 28, 2024, and his most recent ODI appearance on August 7, 2024, in Colombo.
Raina Advocates for Abhishek Sharma's Inclusion in Tests
Raina also voiced his opinion on the potential of explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, suggesting he should be included in Test matches. He raised concerns about whether IPL team owners and state associations are influencing players' perceptions of the longest format of the game. Raina remarked, "I believe Abhishek Sharma deserves a chance in Test cricket. Regarding 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he is quite young. Does he aspire to play? What are his coaches' thoughts? These are important questions. I feel he should be given an opportunity. Are IPL owners and associations considering this and promoting Test cricket among players? Coaches also play a crucial role in this regard."