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'Don’t Compete With Samson,' Ex-KKR Star's Bold Advice To Rishabh Pant For IPL 2025

Akshita Patel

Rishabh Pant gets advice from Aakash Chopra [Source: @I_m_dhruv_/X.com]Rishabh Pant gets advice from Aakash Chopra [Source: @I_m_dhruv_/X.com]

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Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has issued a strong message for LSG captain Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2025. He stated that Pant shouldn’t compete with Sanju Samson for a spot in India’s T20I side but instead carve his own path in the middle order.

The IPL 2025 season will begin from March 22 and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will begin a new era with captain Rishabh Pant. After investing INR 27 crore on him during the mega auction, LSG will be hoping for a successful season.

But the stakes are far higher for Pant this IPL season as his international career in white-ball formats is on the line.

Akash Chopra Advises Pant Against Competing With Peers

As Rishabh Pant gears up for a new challenge with LSG in IPL 2025, the limelight is on his possible return to India's T20I team for the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

However, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Pant should not compete with Sanju Samson for a wicketkeeper’s spot but rather establish his own identity in the middle order.  

"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.

Over the past nine months, Samson has cemented his place in the T20I team with some extraordinary performances. Meanwhile, Pant has been out of the shortest format since the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

With limited slots available in the Indian lineup, some suggest that Pant should consider opening for LSG. But Chopra has dismissed that idea, emphasising that Pant should focus on dominating the middle order instead.

"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," he added.

Pant Joins LSG Camp For IPL 2025 After Sister’s Wedding

With days left for the IPL 2025 season, captain Rishabh Pant has joined the LSG training camp. After India’s victory in the Champions Trophy, the wicket-keeper batter went to Mussoorie for his sister’s wedding. 

On Sunday, March 16, Pant arrived at the LSG team hotel in a luxury car, with the iconic KGF theme song playing in the background. In the video shared by LSG, drumrolls filled the air as Pant soaked in the moment and settled himself into a wooden chair like a true boss.