According to former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), should ideally bat at number four in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Raina believes this position would allow Pant to effectively finish innings for his team.
Pant, a dynamic left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, is aiming to solidify his place in the Indian national team, especially in the T20 format. While he has shown leadership qualities and innovation as a captain, Raina emphasizes the importance of a strong batting performance in IPL 2025 for Pant to regain favor with selectors.
Raina, speaking as an IPL expert, acknowledged Pant’s potential to bat higher at number three but suggested that LSG’s squad composition, featuring players like Pooran, Miller, and Markram, makes number four a more strategic fit. Batting at four would provide batting depth and enable Pant to play a finisher’s role for LSG. Raina believes a successful IPL season could significantly change Pant’s career trajectory.
Despite being acquired by LSG for a record sum in the previous mega auction, Pant faces challenges as captain. Key LSG fast bowlers like Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Mohsin Khan have been dealing with injuries. Additionally, the team misses the all-round capabilities of Marcus Stoinis, who has moved to Punjab.
Raina recognizes the task ahead for Pant, highlighting the need to address bowling concerns. However, he is optimistic about LSG’s strong batting lineup and the presence of experienced mentor Zaheer Khan, who can guide Pant effectively. Raina, a multiple-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings, understands the pressures and dynamics of the league.
In IPL 2024, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 155.40, marking his return after a serious car accident. While his overall performance was strong, his strike rate against spin was lower at 119.53. Raina is confident that Pant will perform well against spinners in IPL 2025, especially considering the expected pitch conditions in Lucknow, which may differ from Delhi.
Raina believes that playing in Lucknow, with its welcoming atmosphere, will benefit Pant, who is now considered a local player for the team. He anticipates a successful season for Pant and LSG.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka next year, IPL 2025 becomes even more crucial for players aiming for national team selection. Raina pointed out that selectors will be closely watching the performances of players like Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, alongside Pant.
He emphasized the importance of the IPL season for these players to secure their spots, especially considering the opening slot in the Indian T20I team and middle-order positions. Raina also noted the significance of Kuldeep Yadav’s performance and the potential of young talents like Jaiswal. He concluded that IPL 2025 will be a key platform for these players to impress selectors as international tours resume after the tournament.
