India's former middle-order batter Suresh Raina feels that Rishabh Pant needs to be more responsible with his batting calibre with the Champions Trophy coming. India has announced the squad for the Champions Trophy, where Rishabh Pant got the call as the wicketkeeper ahead of Sanju Samson. Not only that, in the press conference, BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Pant will be the first-choice keeper as well. The Champions Trophy squad will be similar to that in the three-match ODI series against England at home, which will be played before the marquee tournament. However, Samson has been selected as the keeper in the T20I series, having Dhruv Jurel as his backup. Speaking about Pant's improvement, Suresh Raina said that Pant made some spectacular improvements in his wicketkeeping skills; however, he needs some in his batting. Raina, in an interview with Star Sports, said that, “He has improved a lot on his wicket-keeping, Rishabh Pant needs to play with more responsibility because this is a 50 over tournament. In the upcoming tournament with England you’ve got 3 One Days, this will be a good opportunity for Rishabh Pant.” Read also: Watch: Laurie Evans’ Amazing One-Handed Four in ILT20 2025 Raina guesses possible roles for Rishabh Pant Rishabh Pant, who is popular for his explosive batting in the Tests, doesn't hold a supporting stat in the ODI format. Pant's record in 50-over cricket remains average after 31 matches, with 871 runs at an average of 33.5. Even though he has been away from regular 50-over action for some time, Pant was selected as the second-choice wicketkeeper in the Champions Trophy squad announced on Saturday ahead of competitors like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. But it is true that it will be unjust to justify Rishabh Pant's effectiveness based on the statistics. When in form, he has the ability to single-handedly lead the charge in ODIs, as demonstrated by his match-winning century—an unbeaten 125 while chasing 260 against England in 2022, when the rest of the top-order fell early in Manchester. Highlighting his capabilities, Raina said that if Pant can survive 40–50 deliveries, he can be a finisher. Raina said, “It depends on how you play, I think if Yashasvi does not play in the top order then Rishabh Pant will have a very important role, he can bat at the fourth position he can also come in to bat before Hardik because if Rishabh goes on to play 40-50 deliveries then he can finish off the game. He has to tell himself that if I play fifty deliveries then I can score 80-100 runs but it is important for him to spend some time." Raina also said that a minor mistake will heavily cost him and the team, considering that he will be "the X-factor" in the team/