New Delhi, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed Rishabh Pant to make a strong return to India’s white-ball setup, saying the wicketkeeper-batter has the talent and “x-factor” to replicate his success in Test cricket if he can overcome mental barriers and play with greater freedom.
Pant has established himself as a match-winner in Test cricket but has struggled to secure a regular place in India’s ODI and T20I teams. He has played 31 ODIs and 76 T20Is, but last represented India in the two white-ball formats in 2024. He was part of India’s squad that won the 2025 Champions Trophy without featuring in a match and was subsequently left out of the ODI squad for the series against Afghanistan in June.
“He is my favourite player,” Raina said while speaking to Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel. He acknowledged that Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson are also performing well but said Pant possesses a unique match-winning quality.
Raina pointed to Pant’s remarkable approach in Test cricket, where he has traditionally batted without hesitation, and suggested that he needs to rediscover the same mindset in limited-overs cricket.
“Why is the same not happening in T20Is or ODIs? Is he looking for something in his mind? What is it?” Raina said, adding that Pant needs to work out how to pace his innings in white-ball cricket.
The former India batter, who was part of the teams that won the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, said players can sometimes experience mental blockages that affect their performance.
Raina suggested that Pant could spend time with someone capable of guiding him specifically in white-ball cricket. He said Pant should remain natural and fearless in his approach because he has the ability to achieve a great deal in the future.
Pant also endured difficult IPL campaigns in 2025 and 2026 with Lucknow Super Giants before returning to Delhi Capitals following this year’s tournament.
Raina expressed confidence that Pant would eventually rediscover his best form, pointing to the setbacks the 28-year-old has overcome during his career.
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