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T20 World Cup: Suresh Raina bats for Rishabh Pant, says presence of the left-hander with Hardik Pandya could be X-factor for India

Suresh Raina feels the left-handed Rishabh Pant could be the X-factor for India alongside Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. With all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's injury ruling him out of the tournament, Pant, who has an excellent record in Australia, could do what the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Raina once did along with former skipper MS Dhoni. Under Dhoni, India triumphed in the inaugural World T20 in 2007, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, the last ICC tournament the team has won. "I would say the presence of a left-handed batter would be very important in the middle," Raina said in an exclusive interview with PTI on Friday. He added: "From No. 1-6, we don't have a left-hander and I'm sure the opponents will have two-three left-handed bowlers. We have seen it in the past -- 2007, 2011 and 2013 -- the role Gauti, Yuvi Pa and I played.

"Ishan Kishan Is Coming For Their Spot": Pace Legend Warns Rishabh Pant And Others

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has warned Rishabh Pant amd 'all the other guys in similar position' with the kind of form Ishan Kishan is in. Steyn feels that Kishan will give Pant and other a fight for a place in the team in the 50-over format. The Bihar-born cricketer was in terrific form in the second game of the recently-concluded three-match ODI series vs South Africa. He had scored 93 runs off 84 balls in the game. The innings of Kishan was laced with four fours and seven sixes.

Suryakumar Shines As India Beat Western Australia In 1st Practice Game Ahead Of T20 World Cup

Suryakumar Yadav continued his good form as the Indian team had a fine outing against Western Australia Cricket Association XI, beating the hosts by 13 runs in its first practice game ahead of the T20 World Cup in Perth on Monday. The Indian team, which has been training at the WACA for the past three days, wanted to get used to the pace and bounce of the track as the visitors scored 158 for six in their stipulated 20 overs. In reply, WACA XI managed only 145 in their 20 overs.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav's Massive Six En Route Half-Century Against Western Australia

Arguably the finest T20 batter in the Indian cricket team at present, Suryakumar Yadav looked in top form once again as Rohit Sharma's men took on Western Australia in a practice match at the WACA. Gearing up for the T20 World Cup, the Indian team is set to play a few practice contests, including one each against Australia and New Zealand, before the showpiece event begins. On Monday, it was Suryakumar Yadav's heroics with the bat that inspired India to a victory.

"Don't See X-Factor In These 2 That Rishabh Pant Has": Ex Selector On India Stars

Former chief selector Saba Karim feels Rishabh Pant remains India's first choice wicketkeeper, despite the presence of Sanju Samson and youngster Ishan Kishan. While suggesting that Samson can play in the team as a pure batter, Karim believes that Kishan hasn't made the most of the opportunities given to him by the management. Karim further pointed out that Pant has the X-factor, which gives him an edge over Samson and Kishan. He also backed Pant to retain his place in the team in both red and white-ball cricket.

Wasim Jaffer's Birthday Wish For Rishabh Pant Comes With A Hilarious Meme Starring Rohit Sharma

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant turned 25 on Tuesday and Wasim Jaffer extended his birthday wishes in quintessential fashion, with a meme. The meme, with three frames of India captain Rohit Sharma interviewing Pant, shows the former wishing the latter and asking him what he wants as a birthday gift. "Batting," is the reply in the second frame and the third has Rohit with a whacky expression. The tweet, in the backdrop of Pant not getting a chance to bat in the two T20Is against South Africa despite being in the playing XI, went viral in no time.

Rishabh Pant Has A Face Full Of Cake Inside Dressing Room On His Birthday. See Pics

India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant didn't have the most memorable outing in the 3-match T20I series against South Africa, where he got to bat only once in three matches. Though India emerged triumphant 2-1, Pant would've liked to do a little more in the series. Opening the batting for the team in the final match of the series at Indore, Pant, who was celebrating his 25th birthday, didn't quite click with the bat. But, the defeat in the game didn't spoil celebrations in the dressing room, both for the series triumph and the stumper's birthday.

Five Major Concerns For Team India Heading Into The T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma-led Team India might have won the T20I series against Australia and South Africa on home soil, however, there are some big concerns as the team gears up to take part in the T20 World Cup in Australia. If the side wants to win the marquee event, all three departments of the game need to work in unison, which has not happened for Rohit Sharma and co off late. Death bowling has emerged as one of the biggest concerns for the side, and with Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the tournament, one does not know how the side can fix the problem that is quickly turning out to be their achilles' heel.

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Rishabh Pant Sport News

T20 World Cup: Suresh Raina bats for Rishabh Pant, says presence of the left-hander with Hardik Pandya could be X-factor for India

"Ishan Kishan Is Coming For Their Spot": Pace Legend Warns Rishabh Pant And Others

Suryakumar Shines As India Beat Western Australia In 1st Practice Game Ahead Of T20 World Cup

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav's Massive Six En Route Half-Century Against Western Australia

"Don't See X-Factor In These 2 That Rishabh Pant Has": Ex Selector On India Stars

Wasim Jaffer's Birthday Wish For Rishabh Pant Comes With A Hilarious Meme Starring Rohit Sharma

Rishabh Pant Has A Face Full Of Cake Inside Dressing Room On His Birthday. See Pics

Five Major Concerns For Team India Heading Into The T20 World Cup