Former India batter and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina has heaped praise on one of the country’s current stars following India’s recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka. India won the two-match series 1-0, with several players making an impact during the campaign.
Speaking on a podcast with former India batter Aakash Chopra, Raina revealed the identity of his favourite player and explained why he believes the India star still has plenty to offer. He also backed him to eventually make his mark in white-ball cricket and the IPL.
Suresh Raina names his favourite player
Raina revealed that Rishabh Pant is his favourite player and praised the wicketkeeper-batter for the hard work he has put in. Pant has remained an important part of India’s Test setup and has continued to produce strong performances in the longest format. Pant has scored 3,725 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 43.82, including eight centuries and 21 fifties. However, he has not featured regularly in India’s limited-overs setup and last played an ODI and T20I for the team in 2024.
“He has worked hard. I am very happy. Everyone does well, but he is one of the best. He is my favorite player. He is scoring a lot in Tests. He has that X factor,” Raina said.
Raina believes Pant can still mature as a white-ball cricketer and eventually return to the IPL and India’s limited-overs plans. He pointed out that the wicketkeeper-batter may need to work through certain issues and find the right guidance to help him move forward.
Also READ: Former cricketer explains why Suryakumar Yadav should lead Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2027
Raina predicts big things for India star in white-ball cricket
Raina suggested that Pant could benefit from spending time with the right mentor and allowing himself to play with greater freedom. He believes the India star has the ability to overcome the current challenges and return strongly in the shorter formats. The former India batter also stressed that players can sometimes face a mental block during difficult phases of their careers. According to Raina, Pant needs to give himself time and work through those issues rather than allowing them to affect his game.
“I think he will mature in white-ball and IPL as well. He has done really well. I don’t know why he is not there in one-day cricket. Maybe he is still searching for things. He needs to figure it out. Sometimes players have that blockage. If he tries and spends time with someone, he can. Let him be free. He can achieve a lot. His time will come,” Raina concluded.
Pant’s last ODI and T20I appearances came in 2024, meaning his performances in the coming months could be important if he hopes to regain his place in India’s white-ball setup. For now, however, his Test record continues to underline why Raina remains confident about what the 28-year-old can achieve.
Also READ: Matthew Hayden reveals his choice for CSK’s next head coach ahead of IPL 2027
