“Shake Team India’s Squad”: Aakash Chopra’s Strong Message to Rishabh Pant Before IPL 2025
Rishabh Pant, captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has been urged to make the 2025 IPL season count to secure a spot in India’s T20I squad for the 2026 World Cup. Aakash Chopra believes Pant needs to score heavily to put pressure on T20I contenders like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Shubman Gill. Pant, part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, has had limited chances since then. LSG’s first match of IPL 2025 is on March 24 against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam. Pant, bought for INR 27 crore, is the team’s captain.
“Rishabh Pant has a significant opportunity ahead. Currently, he’s not part of the T20 squad or even in their plans. Many are surprised that such a talented player hasn’t been given a consistent chance in T20s. This is your season, Rishabh. Step up and score runs that will leave everyone stunned,” Chopra mentioned on his YouTube channel.
“The big question is where he will bat. There’s a lot of talk about him opening, as wicketkeepers are often placed there. But he shouldn’t be competing with Sanju Samson and he needs to establish his own spot. No need to bat higher than No. 3 or No. 4. If you get a good start, come in at No. 3, leave the left-handers for positions four, five, and six, and go after the bowlers aggressively,” he continued.
“There are two key factors. First, push the team forward, and in doing so, you’ll be more recognized as a captain. Second, if you score runs, you’ll get back into consideration for the T20I squad. I still believe the current T20 team might not be the one we see next year in the World Cup. T20 selections will be very fluid,” said Aakash Chopra.
“So, this IPL is crucial in determining who moves forward and secures their spot again. I see a great opportunity for Rishabh Pant, both as a captain with a new franchise and as a batter,” he added.
The IPL 2025 season kicks off on March 22 with the opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
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