Champions Trophy 2025: Zaheer Khan Names Rishabh Pant as India's X-Factor

As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, Rishabh Pant is spotlighted by Zaheer Khan and Dinesh Karthik as a key player. Pant's left-hand batting and recent form are seen as crucial for India's success.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant

time

As anticipation builds for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy set to begin on 19 February in Pakistan, attention has turned towards India's cricket team and their strategic preparations. Due to political circumstances, India's matches have been shifted to Dubai, with the team eager to build on their latest success.

Zaheer Khan, former Indian fast bowler, has identified Rishabh Pant as a critical asset for the team, expressing his faith in the young player's abilities. "He's an X-factor player," Khan proclaimed. "Having someone like him in the team is always an advantage. The expectations are high, and he’s determined. He’s in the squad to make a substantial impact and steer games in India’s favour."

After making a notable return during the victorious ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Rishabh Pant has shown consistent form in Test cricket. Despite Sanju Samson's remarkable century in the ODI against South Africa last December, the selectors have opted for Pant, recognising the need for a left-hand batting option to maintain the team's balance.

Dinesh Karthik, a former wicketkeeper, echoed support for Pant, underscoring his potential to enhance India's batting line-up. Karthik highlighted the strategic advantage of Pant as a left-hand option who can effectively tackle bowlers in the middle overs.

With Rishabh Pant poised to play a pivotal role, the cricketing community remains keenly observant of his performance as India aims to reclaim the Champions Trophy title. The pressure is immense, yet Pant's inclusion brings with it the promise of thrilling cricket as India steps into the Dubai arena.

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