Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Rishabh Pant has reached a level comparable to that of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement approaching, there has been much debate over who will occupy the wicketkeeper’s spot, with KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson all in the running.
Kaif recently weighed in on the discussion, noting that Samson has edged ahead of Pant in recent T20I performances. However, he also acknowledged Pant’s exceptional contributions in Test cricket, which, in his view, have brought him close to Dhoni’s stature in the format.
Mohammad Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the differences between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, particularly in the context of India’s squad selection for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
“Sanju Samson has gained a substantial advantage in the race. People have strong emotional ties to Rishabh Pant, especially given his match-winning performances in Test cricket. His innings at the Gabba and his century in South Africa are unforgettable. Pant has shown he can perform in challenging overseas conditions, and he is a solid wicketkeeper. In fact, Pant’s keeping skills are probably better than Samson’s, and he’s closing in on MS Dhoni’s level,” Kaif said.
He also emphasized that Pant must accept the reality regarding his white-ball record, which, in his opinion, doesn’t match up to that of Samson.
“Rishabh Pant needs to come to terms with the fact that his white-ball statistics aren’t as impressive as Sanju’s. If anyone is telling him that things are being done unfairly, they’re not offering the right advice. Pant should distance himself from such voices. The truth is that Samson has earned the right to be part of the Champions Trophy squad, and Pant must put in more effort if he wants to compete,” Kaif concluded.
Rishabh Pant has scored 871 runs in 31 ODIs at an average of 33.50, while Sanju Samson has made 510 runs in 16 matches at 56.66, including a century in his last ODI against South Africa. Samson is in excellent form, having hit three hundreds in his last five T20Is, putting him ahead in the race for a spot in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
