“He has that X factor”: Suresh Raina backs Rishabh Pant for white-ball cricket

**Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina praises Rishabh Pant’s hard work and X‑factor**

New Delhi, India – September 5, 2026 – Former Indian international Suresh Raina spoke on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube show about wicket‑keeper/batter Rishabh Pant, describing the 28‑year‑old as “one of his favourite players” and highlighting his “X‑factor.” Raina said Pant has worked hard and is performing well in Tests, and he expects Pant to mature further in white‑ball formats and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pant has become a key member of India’s Test side, scoring 3,725 runs in 52 matches at an average of 43.82, including eight centuries and 21 half‑centuries. In the recent two‑match Test series against Sri Lanka, which India won 1–0 under captain Shubman Gill, Pant accumulated 168 runs across three innings at an average of 56.00, with two half‑centuries. He has not played an ODI or T20I for India since 2024, his last appearances being in T20Is against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on 28 July 2024 and in an ODI against the same opposition in Colombo on 7 August 2024.

During the interview, Raina also commented on the role of IPL owners and state associations in shaping players’ focus on the longest format. He said, “I feel Abhishek Sharma should play Test cricket. Vaibhav is very young. Does he want to play? What do his coaches think? These are questions. I feel he should play. Are the IPL owners and associations also thinking of this and putting Test cricket in players’ minds? Coaches also have a role here.”

The comments were made on the Aakash Chopra YouTube show and reported by ANI.

Article and image source: srilankasource.com