Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Rishabh Pant will have a great opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 to stake his claim back in the Indian T20I Team. He said that the batter should bat in the middle and shouldn’t try to compete with Sanju Samson.
Rishabh Pant is all set to lead Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The keeper-batter became the highest-paid player in the history of the league after he was acquired by the franchise for INR 27 crore in the auction.
Rishabh Pant has been one of the finest batters in the league
Pant has been one of the finest batters in the league as his consistent performers over the years have put his name in the greats of the tournament. The keeper-batter has batted in the middle order for Delhi Capitals and is amongst the leading run-getters in the IPL while batting at 4 and 5.
There have been reports which claimed that Rishabh Pant will be opening the batter in the IPL 2025. But according to Aakash Chopra, the Lucknow Super Giants skipper should bat in the middle, where he has had immense success over the years.
A lot of people say I do Rishabh Pant’s PR – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra pointed out the record of Pant in the middle order, saying that his numbers speak for himself. He added that the left-hander will have a great opportunity in the league to make his season his own. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he said:
“Why is it not getting set in T20? What’s the problem? This is your season, sir. Come on, break it, beat it, make so many runs, that everyone gets shaken up. Because if you look at the 17-year history of IPL,on 4 and 5, all the players who have batted, take out the total numbers. And a lot of people say I do Rishabh Pant’s PR.
“My brother, I don’t make numbers. He has made the numbers by playing. And here are the numbers in front of you. The list of batters on 4th and 5th is in front of you. See where Rishabh Pant ranks.”
IPL’s Best middle order batsman in recent times is ‘Rishabh Pant’ 🔥
He has an average of 36 and strike rate of 148 while batting at 4 and 5. pic.twitter.com/75jrwaoP2o— Spiderman Pant (@cricwithpant) March 16, 2025
You don’t have to compete with Sanju – Aakash Chopra on Pant
Aakash Chopra further talked about the reports of Pant opening. He made a bold statement, saying that he doesn’t have to compete with Sanju Samson and he needs to make his place properly. He elaborated:
“Where he would bat would be a question. There are a lot of discussions that he would open as keepers are batting there. You don’t have to compete with Sanju. You have to make your own place properly.
“I would say there is no need to bat above No. 3 or No. 4. If you get a great start, come at No. 3, or else keep all three left-handers at four, five and six, and hit everyone,”
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