Aakash Chopra backs Rishabh Pant OVER Sanju Samson to become India’s first choice wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup 2026

Aakash Chopra mentions Rishabh Pant wicketkeeping opportunity with Lucknow Super Giants as he tries to get his placement back.

New Delhi: India currently holds the top position in T20I rankings, with under a year remaining until the T20 World Cup 2026. Sanju Samson has delivered impressive performances lately, securing his role as the primary wicketkeeper-batter for the national team. He is set to lead the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Meanwhile, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has emphasized that Rishabh Pant needs to capitalize on his chance with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to position himself as a contender for Sanju Samson’s place.

Rishabh Pant is currently absent from India’s T20I squad, which may come as a surprise to some. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra mentioned that it would be intriguing to see his batting position. There are speculations that he could open for LSG in a direct competition with Sanju Samson. Chopra suggested that the ideal batting positions for Pant would be either no. 3 or no. 4, where he could potentially score runs to secure a spot in the Indian team.

“Rishabh Pant has a big opportunity. He is currently not a part of the T20 team. He is not even part of their scheme of things. People are surprised why such a strong player cannot get a consistent run in T20s. So, this is your season, sir. Come and score so many runs so that everyone is shaken. 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 Samson. You have to make your own place properly. There is no need to bat above No. 3 or No. 4. If you get a great start, come at No. 3, keep all three left-handers at four, five, and six, and go after every bowler,” he said.

Aakash Chopra suggested that Rishabh Pant should leverage IPL 2025 to enhance his reputation as a captain by leading LSG effectively, while also focusing on scoring runs to secure his position in the Indian team. He expressed uncertainty about the current Indian T20I team’s chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup.

“There are two things. Firstly, take the team forward. Then you get recognized more as a captain. Secondly, you return to reckoning regarding the T20I team if you score runs. I am still not convinced that the T20 team playing will also play next year in the World Cup. The T20 selections will be very dynamic. So this IPL will play a huge role in who is moving forward and able to make his place again. So I see a huge opportunity for Rishabh Pant as a captain with a new franchise and as a batter,” Aakash Chopra opined.