'You don't have to compete with Sanju Samson': Aakash Chopra feels IPL is a big chance for Rishabh Pant to return to India's T20I side

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson

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NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) could be a turning point for Rishabh Pant as he eyes a comeback to India's T20I squad . Pant, who has been out of the national T20 setup, now has a golden opportunity to prove his mettle while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra emphasised that Pant’s performances in the upcoming season could make or break his chances of returning to India’s T20I side. "Rishabh Pant has a big opportunity. Why am I saying that? He is not part of the T20 team. He is not even part of their scheme of things. People are surprised as to why such a strong player is unable to get set in T20s. So, this is your season, sir. Come and score so many runs so that everyone is shaken," Chopra said.Pant, who has been an explosive and fearless batter for India in Tests and ODIs, has struggled to cement his spot in T20Is, where Sanju Samson has established himself as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. Chopra believes that Pant must carefully choose his batting position to maximise his impact."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," Chopra advised.Chopra further noted that the current Indian T20I team might undergo significant changes before next year’s T20 World Cup , hinting at the dynamic nature of the squad. "There are two things. Firstly, take the team forward. Then you get recognised more as a captain. Secondly, if you score runs, you return to India reckoning. I am still not convinced that the T20 team playing currently will play next year as well. The T20 selections are going to be very dynamic," Chopra remarked.As captain of LSG, Pant also carries the responsibility of leading a new franchise, which adds to his challenge of making a statement with both the bat and his leadership. Chopra concluded, "So this IPL will play a huge role in terms of who is moving forward and able to make his place again. So I see a huge opportunity for Rishabh Pant as a captain with a new franchise and as a batter."With the T20 World Cup on the horizon and intense competition for spots, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant to see if he can rise to the occasion and make a strong case for his return to India’s T20I squad.

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