‘Rishabh Pant Is Closing In On MS Dhoni’s Level’: Mohammad Kaif Heaps Praise On Indian Wicketkeeper

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Cric News India

January 18, 2025 0 997

Mohammad Kaif On Rishabh Pant

Mohammad Kaif stated that while Rishabh Pant’s Test performances have brought him close to MS Dhoni’s stature, Sanju Samson has outshone him in recent white-ball cricket.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his belief that Rishabh Pant has reached a level of performance comparable to that of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. With the announcement of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad looming, the debate continues over who will take up the wicketkeeper’s role, with KL Rahul, Pant, and Sanju Samson all competing for the spot.

Kaif recently weighed in on this discussion, stating that while Samson has taken the lead over Pant based on recent T20I performances, Pant’s exceptional contributions in Test cricket have brought him closer to Dhoni’s stature in the format. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif explained the distinction between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, especially in the context of India’s squad selection for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“Sanju Samson has gained a substantial advantage in the race. People have strong emotional ties to Rishabh Pant, especially given his match-winning performances in Test cricket. His innings at the Gabba and his century in South Africa are unforgettable. Pant has shown he can perform in challenging overseas conditions, and he is a solid wicketkeeper. In fact, Pant’s keeping skills are probably better than Samson’s, and he’s closing in on MS Dhoni’s level,” Kaif said.

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However, Kaif emphasized that Pant must acknowledge his underwhelming white-ball performance compared to Samson. “Rishabh Pant needs to come to terms with the fact that his white-ball statistics aren’t as impressive as Sanju’s. If anyone is telling him that things are being done unfairly, they’re not offering the right advice. Pant should distance himself from such voices. The truth is that Samson has earned the right to be part of the Champions Trophy squad, and Pant must put in more effort if he wants to compete,” Kaif concluded.

In terms of statistics, Pant has scored 871 runs in 31 ODIs at an average of 33.50, while Samson has accumulated 510 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 56.66, including a century in his last ODI against South Africa. Samson is currently in excellent form, with three centuries in his last five T20Is, further strengthening his case for a place in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.